Reps. Ferraro, Kennedy Host Milford Office Hours

From the Connecticut General Assembly: State Reps. Charles Ferraro and Kathy Kennedy held office hours on Wednesday night at the Milford Library, where residents were able to ask questions about issues impacting the state.

The hour question and answer style office hour was dominated by the topic of reinstituting tolls. The lawmakers explained that Democrats have proposed a bill that would call for tolling everyone and an additional bill to creating Transportation Authority.

Last year, the Department of Transportation conducted a study and recommended to the state that 82 tolls be placed on all major highways including I-95, I-91, Route 15, and Route 8.

Rep. Ferraro said, "I think placing tolls throughout the state is not the answer. We can't just put tolls on the border and placing them throughout the state would mean Connecticut residents would pay nearly 70 percent of the tolls. Tolls would just be another tax on Connecticut residents; we need to look at where we can save money."

“I would like to thank everyone who attended our office hours, we had a great conversation on the issues,” said Rep. Kennedy. “I want people to know that if a toll proposal passes this session, many of the details might be determined by an un-elected State Toll Authority. This is one of the reason I oppose tolls. Giving the toll authority power to determine how many tolls will be installed and setting the amount for each toll takes away the public’s voice in the process.”

In addition, the representatives and residents talked about paid family leave, teacher pensions, and a bill to combat puppy mills.

The lawmakers encouraged residents to reach out to them about legislation they are interested in or concerned about. Residents can contact the lawmakers by visiting RepFerraro.com and RepKennedy.com.

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut General Assembly