Patch Candidate Profile: Jane Garibay For 60th House

WINDSOR, CT — Democratic state Rep. Jane Garibay is seeking another term in the 60th House District, representing Windsor and Windsor Locks, in the Nov. 3 election.

Garibay identifies affordability as the state’s top issue and says she wants to expand access to housing, childcare and healthcare. She faces Republican Chantelle Ankerman, as detailed in Patch’s Windsor voter guide.

Here are the candidate’s responses to Patch’s questionnaire:

Candidate's Name:

Jane Garibay

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

71

District:

60th

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://janegaribayforhouse.com

Occupation:

State Legislator

Family:

No response provided.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Windsor Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for re-election because the work for Windsor and Windsor Locks isn't finished: families still need lower costs and affordable childcare, and our seniors deserve to age with dignity and safety. As co-chair of the Aging Committee, I've taken on private equity in long-term care and brought millions in state aid home, and I'll keep listening and delivering for the community

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

I believe the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut is affordability. Families are struggling with the rising cost of living, including housing, childcare, healthcare, and energy. Working families are doing everything right, yet many are finding it harder to make ends meet. Our seniors are also struggling to afford the services they need while trying to age with dignity.

As a state representative, I will continue to listen to our residents and work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find practical solutions. We need to expand access to affordable housing and childcare, make healthcare more accessible, and look for ways to reduce the financial pressures on working families and older adults.

My goal is simple: Connecticut should be a place where people can afford to live, raise a family, and grow old with dignity. That means making responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars, working together to find common ground, and always putting the needs of our residents first.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

I know that rising energy costs are putting a tremendous burden on Connecticut families, small businesses, and our seniors, many of whom are struggling to keep up with their monthly bills. We need to make energy more affordable while ensuring that our energy supply remains reliable.

I will continue to support practical solutions that provide immediate relief to residents, strengthen assistance programs for families who are struggling to pay their bills, and hold utility companies accountable for the costs they pass on to consumers. We also need to look at ways to improve energy efficiency, expand access to affordable energy options, and make responsible decisions that reduce costs over the long term.

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No family should have to choose between heating their home, buying groceries, or paying for medication. I will continue working across the aisle to find solutions that lower costs, protect our most vulnerable residents, and make Connecticut more affordable for everyone.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing Connecticut families today. The rising costs of housing, childcare, healthcare, groceries, and energy are putting tremendous pressure on working families, young people, and our seniors.

I believe we need to take a practical approach. We must work to expand affordable housing, make childcare more accessible, address soaring energy costs, and ensure our seniors can afford to remain in their homes and age with dignity. We also need to be responsible with taxpayer dollars and look carefully at how we can provide relief where it is needed most.

As a state representative, I believe in listening to the people I represent. The best solutions come from hearing directly from our residents, working with community leaders, and collaborating with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

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

I believe my record of community service, leadership, and bringing people together demonstrates that I have the experience and commitment to do this job.

Before serving in the legislature, I spent many years working in Windsor, including with the Recreation Department, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, and First Town Downtown. I helped establish the Windsor Education Foundation, restructured the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank, and founded Project Santa, which now brings holiday cheer to more than 350 Windsor children. These experiences taught me how to identify community needs, build partnerships, and turn ideas into action.

As a state representative, I bring that same approach to Hartford. As Aging Chair in the House, I work across the aisle to address issues affecting older adults and to protect their ability to age with dignity and respect. I have also worked to bring community voices into discussions about education, housing, healthcare, and affordability.

My experience has taught me that progress takes listening, collaboration, persistence, and a willingness to find common ground.

I will continue to serve with honesty, integrity, and common sense, always focused on what is best for the people of Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Connecticut.

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

No response provided.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.

Editor’s note: Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the state. The responses below were submitted by the candidate and reflect the candidate’s views. Responses are presented as submitted, with formatting added for readability.