MARINE TRADES GROUP HONORS SEN. FASANO

The Connecticut Marine Trades Association has recognized Sen. Leonard Fasano for his outstanding contributions to the state’s recreational boating industry.

CMTA presented Fasano with an award for “Special Legislative Recognition” during the recent CMTA Trade EXPO held at the Woodwinds in Branford on October 9.   

“Senator Fasano has been a staunch supporter of the recreational boating sector in Connecticut.  We have truly appreciated his expertise on matters relating to the economy, the environment and small businesses,” said John Johnson, CMTA’s legislative chair. 

Importantly, Fasano has supported CMTA in past efforts to retain exemptions from the sales tax for activities relating to boat storage and overhaul.  Taxing these services would merely spur boat owners to cross state lines to Rhode Island, where no such tax exists. 

“Recreational boating is an important activity along Connecticut shoreline.  We are pleased to work closely with Sen. Fasano to ensure that this economic sector can continue to grow in the years ahead,” Johnson said.   

Johnson said Fasano worked passionately on key coastal management legislation during the most recent legislative session. He responded to constituents who faced devastation and damage done to homes and businesses— including in the Cosey Beach section in his district of East Haven— and to all of Connecticut’s shoreline following last year’s devastating Tropical Storm Irene.

Further, Sen. Fasano was a key architect to the legislature’s changes to the laws governing cranes and hoisting equipment as Connecticut complies with OSHA standards by October 1, 2014.