Tolland's Nuccio Officially Takes State Office

TOLLAND, CT — Newly elected freshman State Rep. and Tolland Town Council Chairwoman Tammy Nuccio (R-53) was sworn in outside the Connecticut Capitol building in Hartford Wednesday.

Joined by her family during a socially-distanced outdoor ceremony along with most of her 150 colleagues in the House of Representatives, Nuccio officially became a member of the state legislature's lower chamber.

"I feel extraordinarily grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent the families of Ashford, Tolland, and Willington as their state representative, and I'm eager to see this body getting back to the duties we're given by the constitution — to write legislation that benefits the people of this state," said Nuccio said.

Last month, Nuccio was appointed to serve on the State Legislature's Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, which handles issues relating to revenue and taxation.

"The deficit for the next fiscal year is projected to be $2 billion, and while the state government holds its breath for more federal aid from Washington, the rest of us know that this balancing act is and never has been sustainable. We can't assume the federal government will be there to patch up whatever holes in our budget we are unable to fund, and we need policy that will support an economic recovery while practicing responsible spending," said Nuccio, a career financial analyst with more 30 years of experience in the industry.

She will also serve as a member of the Commerce Committee, which has cognizance over issues relating to economic development and business.

Nuccio said, "One-third of the state's small businesses have permanently closed their doors since January 2020 and many of those remain operate at reduced capacity and without the certainty that tomorrow won't bring another wave of lockdowns. We need to give our small business community the assurance that they have a partner in state government, not just the Walmarts, Rite-Aids, or Amazons that have flourished throughout this pandemic."

The Legislative Screening Committee, a select committee which reviews legislation before it reaches the floor, will also count Nuccio as a member.

"This session will surely bring contentious debate on legalized marijuana, the public option, criminal justice reform, and sports betting, among others," Nuccio said. "I've already proposed legislation to address the supply of ADHD medication at pharmacies, to extend insurance reimbursement for telehealth, and to have utility companies reimburse medically-compromised residents for the cost of a generator. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the most pressing issues facing our state, and I encourage everyone in the 53rd District to contact me to make their voices heard."

This session, when the General Assembly meets it will be, by most appearances, virtually. This means that committee hearings, floor votes, town halls, and office hours will be mostly conducted through Zoom, with lawmakers observing social distancing.

Wednesday's ceremony kicked off the start of the legislature’s long session, which runs from Jan. 6 through June 9.