Michael McLachlan's Press Releases
Honors Danbury Native for Service in World War II
July 28, 2009
State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) today presented Danbury native Vito Simaleavich with service medals he earned but never received following an honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1946. Senator McLachlan presented the service medals to Mr. Simaleavich at a special surprise ceremony with his family and friends at the Danbury VFW Post 149.
Opposes Diocese of Bridgeport Having to Register As Lobbyist
May 30, 2009
“There is no argument that safeguarding the dignity and honesty of our government is an essential task,” said Senator McLachlan. “And while I respect the concerns and authority of the Office of State Ethics, I fail to see how the office can in good conscience target the Catholic Church for simply expressing its constitutionally protected rights. I am concerned the office is going too far and will ultimately harm freedom of speech for all groups and organizations if this investigation continues.”
McLachlan Applauds Passage of Bill to Screen Newborns for Cystic Fibrosis
May 15, 2009
State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) today applauded the recent passage of HB 6263: An Act Requiring the Administration of a Screening Test for Cystic Fibrosis to Newborn Infants. Senator McLachlan co-sponsored the bill which requires hospitals to conduct cystic fibrosis testing on newborns. Parents can, however, opt to forgo the testing. Governor Rell signed the bill into law on May 8th.
Public Hearing on Improving Government Efficiency
May 1, 2009
“I was encouraged to see so many turn out for Thursday’s public hearing,” said Senator McLachlan. “There is a tremendous amount of waste in our state government. Now, when we try to trim spending across the board, we have the opportunity to really redefine our government by making it more efficient and transparent. I believe this commission is an important aspect of that process and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Repeal of Civil Union Statues
April 24, 2009
The reality is that SB 899 passed through the General Assembly and is to be upheld and respected,” said Senator McLachlan. “However, as I see it, SB 899 is more than just a codification of Kerrigan. It leaves too many unanswered questions and does not provide adequate protection of religious freedoms as I see it. There are many people in our state who did not ask for this ruling nor this legislation and who I believe deserved a more public debate on the issue rather than being subjected to a ruling from the Supreme Court.
Federal, State Funding to Help Danbury Homeowners, Protect Jobs
April 17, 2009
Danbury will receive $867,850 in federal dollars to purchase foreclosed homes which will then be resold to middle and low-income families. In addition the Barden Corporation in Danbury will receive approximately $3 million in financing and a $300,000 sales and use tax exemption from the state of Connecticut.
Republican Leadership Unveils Balanced, No-Tax-Increase Budget
April 17, 2009
State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) today joined with fellow Senate and House Republican legislators in Hartford in unveiling a balanced, no tax increase budget proposal for the Fiscal Years 2010-2011. The alternative proposal also avoids cuts to municipal aid by maintaining funding at 2007 levels – including Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding.
Assistance from State for Workers Laid Off from Mannkind Corporation
April 7, 2009
Hartford, CT – State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) this week reached out to the state Department of Labor Commissioner Patricia Mayfield asking her to begin providing assistance to the employees recently laid off from biopharmaceutical company Mannkind. Senator McLachlan has requested that the Department of Labor dispatch its Rapid Response Team to immediately begin educating laid off employees on job assistance, unemployment benefits and training.
State Senator Michael McLachlan Honors Students from 24th District
April 9, 2009
"I am so glad to have had the chance to spend some time with these youngsters this week,” said Senator McLachlan. “Not only is their enthusiasm for the projects contagious, but they have such talent and skill with these new technologies. It was so impressive, if not a bit humbling, to have 2nd and 5th graders teaching me a thing or two about computers!”
Senator McLachlan Details Opposition To Tolls On I-84 In Danbury
March 30, 2009
“Drivers would try to bypass the tolls by driving though area communities to avoid I-84. Local roads in Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman and Ridgefield would become so snarled by traffic that people would look for detours around these towns. Local businesses would be seriously hurt. Drivers cutting through these towns to avoid tolls are not going to stop to shop or otherwise patronize these local businesses. It would be a disaster, and I will continue to fight against any proposal to place tolls on I-84 in the Danbury area,” said Senator McLachlan.
McLachlan Names Finalists In “Women’s History Month Essay Contest”
March 28, 2009
“I am so impressed by the ability of these young people to describe their impressions of the women who play, or historically played, such important roles in our state. As far as I am concerned, they are all winners for taking the time to learn about a notable Connecticut woman and make the effort to participate in this contest. It is my hope that everyone who wrote an essay learned something valuable that will serve them well as they continue their studies in school,” said Senator McLachlan.
Don't Bring Tolls Back to Connecticut’s Highways.
March 24, 2009
On Thursday night, I’m participating in a bipartisan, open forum discussion on what has long been a very touchy subject in our state: bringing tolls back to Connecticut’s highways. There has been much debate on this issue for many years. I, however, will continue to oppose tolls in Connecticut as this will dramatically and negatively impact western Danbury, New Fairfield and Sherman by increasing traffic on secondary roads.
Fully Implement Constitutional Spending Cap
March 20, 2009
In 1991, the General Assembly passed the statutory spending cap along with the Personal Income Tax. A constitutional spending cap was later approved by more than 80% of the electorate in November of 1992. The spending cap was adopted to limit spending growth to a level deemed affordable to taxpayers. Under the rules of the cap, the state budget cannot grow faster than the five year average growth in personal incomes, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. However, in most years, the legislature has voted to exceed the cap in order to spend surpluses.
Senator Michael McLachlan Lends Voice to Opposition of SB 1098
March 12, 2009
State Senator Michael McLachlan once again lent his voice in strong opposition to SB 1098: An Act Modifying Corporate Laws Relating to Certain Religious Corporations calling it a flagrant and unjustified attack on the Church’s constitutionally protected autonomy.
McLachlan Casts “No” Vote on Latest Deficit Mitigation Package
March 4, 2009
“I was happy to see this proposal didn’t raise taxes and I would have gladly cast a “Yes” vote on a legitimate mitigation package this week,” said Senator McLachlan. “But the simple truth is the package offered by Majority Democrats was toothless at best. It offered a number of cost-cutting measures but failed to explain how those cuts would be implemented.”
Help Workers Laid Off from Ethan Allen
February 17, 2009
Senator McLachlan has requested that the Department of Labor dispatch its Rapid Response Team to Danbury immediately to educate workers on job assistance, unemployment benefits and training opportunities.
Housing Assistance for Veterans
February 17, 2009
“Veterans returning home from WWII faced many challenges finding affordable housing,” said Senator McLachlan. “But a responsive government stepped in and helped them get back on their feet after serving their country. Over 60 years later, many of the assistance programs for veterans have fallen by the wayside. This bill will address that injustice by allowing us to provide a preference to the men and women who have so bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve.”
Expand Governor's Rescission Powers
January 22, 2009
State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) today renewed his call for the General Assembly to expand Governor Rell’s rescission powers to help close the FY09 budget deficit, which has skyrocketed to more than $920 million
Michael McLachlan Sworn In As New State Senator For 24th District
January 8, 2009
Senator McLachlan To Serve as a Minority Whip, Ranking on Government Administration & Elections Committee
McLachlan Appointed Ranking Senator on GAE
December 23, 2008
Will also serve on Finance, Judiciary, Legislative Management and Transportation committees
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