Candidate Profile: Patricia Miller For CT House District 145

STAMFORD, 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.

Patricia Billie Miller, a Stamford resident, is running for House of Representatives District 145.

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: I am married with two daughters and two grandsons

Occupation: State Legislator - 11 years; Affordable Housing Consultant - 14 years

Previous elected experience: Stamford Board of Representatives; State Representative

Family members in government: No

Campaign website: www.patbilliemiller.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing our state is the economic recovery from COVID. We need to use a combination of state and federal funds both through bonding and grants to help businesses get back on their feet and help them return to the pre-pandemic levels.

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

I am a hard-working, dedicated public servant. I put the needs of my constituents at the forefront of every decision I make. I have served the constituents of the 145th District well over 11 years and I have always made myself accessible to them.

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

Prior to being elected, I worked in the affordable housing industry for over 25 years. I also served on the Stamford Board of Representatives. Most importantly, my proven record as a legislator is evidence that I can handle the job.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

Connecticut absolutely needs to reform its electric utility oversight. We saw lengthy service outages after Tropical Storm Isaias, just as we saw after the October snow storm in 2011. I was pleased to vote in support of the Take Back Our Grid Act that was signed into law on October 7th. This is a great first step in holding our utility companies accountable to ratepayers instead of stockholders. During the upcoming regular session we will further evaluate and hold public hearings to expand on the bill that was just passed. We are also waiting on the final report from PURA detailing the recent rate increase approval. Once we have that information, we will be able to recommend additional changes to help the consumers.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

As a state, we should provide additional financial assistance to our local businesses, the federal Paycheck Protection Program was helpful but did not include enough funding. We need to offer grants and forgivable loans whenever possible to help businesses get back on track, especially our small businesses. We should look at reopening and expanding the Subsidized Training and Employment Program (StepUp) which provides incentives for businesses to hire additional staff and expand their business, helping both the employer and the employees.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Education reform has always been one of my top priorities: closing the academic achievement gap; working to ensure Stamford gets its fair share of funding from the State; ensuring adequate and affordable before and after school care for our children. The other issue that defines my campaign platform is addressing the impact COVID- 19 has had on education, housing, healthcare, nursing homes and childcare.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am dedicated to being the voice for the constituents in the 145th District and no one will work harder for you. It is a true honor and privilege to represent you in Hartford.