Toni Boucher's Press Releases
2009 Legislative Session: Sine Die or A Short Intermission?
June 11, 2009
The people I meet in the day-to-day course of life are rightly dismayed that the General Assembly had five months to come up with a plan to eliminate the existing state budget deficit and pass a new two-year state budget, yet did neither.
Funds will be made available for bikeways and sidewalks
June 4, 2009
I am pleased to report that the General Assembly has just passed legislation to ensure that funds will be made available for bikeways and sidewalks.
Supports Creation Of A Standing Bipartisan Senate Ethics Committee
June 1, 2009
Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats made the creation of a Bipartisan Standing Committee On Ethics a priority of their respective caucuses for the 2008 Legislative Session. Senate Republicans have been advocating for the measure ever since, and were finally granted an opportunity to vote on Thursday. State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said she was, therefore, disappointed when all but one Democratic state senator voted against a Republican resolution calling for the creation of a permanent bipartisan committee to consider and, when warranted, act on ethics complaints against state senators.
A.E. Hertzler Knox Award
May 20, 2009
Jay Paretsky was named a recipient of the A.E. Hertzler Knox Award in recognition of his excellence and a lifetime of EMS service in Connecticut by the Emergency Medical Services Education Seminar Foundation.
Local Pride in Our Supreme Court Chief Justice
May 20, 2009
There are special moments in the legislature that make an indelible impression. One of those moments recently presented itself when we convened a joint session to listen to Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers deliver her State of the Judiciary address in the Hall of the House.
Statement to the CT Public Transportation Commission, May 19, 2009
May 20, 2009
I would like to thank the CT Public Transportation Commission for providing residents and commuters with an opportunity to share our thoughts regarding the need for efficient and convenient mass transportation in Fairfield County.
Senator Boucher Offers Congratulations to Wilton "Tree Steward"
May 16, 2009
On behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly, I want to congratulate Pat Sesto on being named our town’s “Tree Steward.” It is just one of the many wonderful titles she so justly deserves as a protector and educator of our environment.
Mother's Day Message
May 8, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to send out a most heartfelt and appreciative Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers in my district. Know that your job as a mother and primary role model is the most important, most significant calling in our society. Your children will make the world a better place for all of us. Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Towns That May Benefit From Federal Stimulus Funds
May 1, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is urging local government officials to keep informed of funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Allow Local Ban of Plastic Bags
April 28, 2009
In addition to forbidding towns to regulate the local use of plastic and paper bags beginning in October, the proposed legislation requires retailers, other than restaurants, to charge shoppers five cents per disposable bag beginning January 1, 2010. A portion of the proceeds would be used for one-time grants to municipalities to promote recycling programs.
Does Light Rail Make Sense For Connecticut?
April 23, 2009
Connecticut cannot presently afford to make a huge financial commitment to light rail. However, our state will eventually emerge from this recession, and it is in our best interests to spend this time looking into how we can promote economic growth when the time is right. Regardless of what form it takes, faster, more convenient, and environmentally-friendly mass transit will play a key role in the future success of our state. Light rail may be an option worth exploring.
A Better Educated Public Is A Better Served Public
April 20, 2009
People are becoming more aware of how government spends their money, particularly in Connecticut where April 30th is this year’s tax freedom day, meaning state residents must work approximately 120 days this year to pay their taxes. Our tax freedom day occurs last. Governor M. Jodi Rell spoke for many when she said: “People have had it, and they are letting their collective voices be heard here in Hartford and across the state. The bloat of bureaucracy is no longer affordable. It is time to get back to basics.”
CT Needs A Responsible Tax Policy That Promotes Economic Growth
April 20, 2009
Democratic leadership countered by proposing the largest tax increase in state history - $3.3 billion. Rather than cut spending, Democrats proposed phasing out the property tax credit, eliminating many sales tax exemptions, and increasing the personal income tax for nearly everyone. Democrats want to raise the income tax on Connecticut’s highest earners to 7.95 percent, and impose a 30 percent surcharge on every profitable Connecticut-based company.
Funding For Local Train Station Improvements
April 17, 2009
“I am a strong advocate for mass transit, and for making necessary improvements and upgrades to our train stations. Approving this funding for upgrades to the stations would be an excellent investment in our ongoing efforts to encourage train ridership. Commuters would certainly appreciate the improvements,” said Senator Boucher, who also serves as the leading Republican Senator, Ranking Member, of the Transportation Committee
Senator Boucher Hosts Wilton Students’ Visit To State Capitol
April 15, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said she thoroughly enjoyed spending a day showing David Gumins, an eighth grader at Middlebrook School, and Eric Glass, a sophomore at Wilton High School, the inner workings of the General Assembly.
Senator Boucher Takes Voluntary Salary Reduction
April 2, 2009
“I was disappointed when the General Assembly rejected our proposal to require pay cuts for all legislators as part of the deficit mitigation plan we passed early this year. Fortunately, though, we have been informed that legislators can decide on their own to request pay cuts. I feel strongly I should set an example for our state bargaining units that must come to the table to help Connecticut taxpayers during this difficult time," said Senator Boucher, a member of the General Assembly’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee.
Senator Boucher Contributes to State Crime Fighting Efforts
April 2, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said she is gratified that information she shared with the state Department of Consumer Protection helped lead to a joint undercover investigation with the Wilton Police Department that resulted in the arrests of two unregistered home improvement contractors from Long Island.
Sen. Boucher Says Electronic Border Tolls Not Supported
March 31, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said constituents who attended a recent public forum strengthened her belief that Fairfield County residents are extremely unlikely to support any legislative proposals to bring back highway tolls.
Senator Boucher Hails Federal Stimulus Funding For Area Projects
March 25, 2009
Federal stimulus funds will be used to upgrade the signal system on the Danbury Branch Line and make improvements to several train station depots in Fairfield County.
This project must be done now to increase capacity and flexibility that will pave the way for future improvements, including the electrification of this major transportation artery. Now financial help from the federal government will help to pay for this important project.
The Bethel railroad station is slated for $53,700 of improvements.
Sen. Boucher Supports State Mandate Relief For School Districts
March 24, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is calling for her colleagues on the General Assembly’s Education Committee to support proposed legislation to delay the implementation of certain unfunded state mandates on school districts.
"In these difficult economic times we cannot, in good conscience, ask, let alone expect, our school districts to foot the bill for unfunded and unfair mandates" Boucher said.
Don't De-criminalize Marijuana
March 23, 2009
Senator Boucher shares her testimony with you. She will be submitting it to the Joint Committee on Judiciary tomorrow regarding her opposition to SB 349, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th Noon in room 2C of the Legislative Office Building. I know it is short notice, but please feel free to come up to Hartford to submit testimony on this bill. If you are not able to travel to Hartford, feel free to e-mail written testimony to
zaiga.antonetti@cga.ct.gov, or fax it to 860-240-0196.
Expand Economic Forecasting Efforts
March 20, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) recently called on the Appropriations Committee to support proposed legislation that would expand the role of the General Assembly’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) in projecting the long-term fiscal impact of state government spending and taxing.
Make Better Use Of Land Acquired For Super 7
March 4, 2009
It is unlikely that we will ever need the land acquired so long ago to build the Super 7 highway. For one thing, priorities have changed. Building Super 7 highway now would require the state to acquire a great deal more land, much of it environmentally fragile and unaffordable. Permitting the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to sell or transfer the land it has acquired for this long defunct project makes sense. Towns in the Route 7 corridor are in need of land for community recreational purposes – playing fields, hiking and bike trails, gardens and nature preserves – in brief, “green ways” that will expand recreational and quality of life activity.
Proposed Improvement Of Norwalk/Danbury Train Line
February 25, 2009
“As a long time advocate for the Norwalk/Danbury train line, I found it extremely important and timely to have so many leaders and organizations from our region stand up and speak out in favor of making necessary improvements. Their overwhelming support for implementing the recommendations of the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line Improvement Plan is critical and will go a long way in convincing the state to continue its investment in improving mass transit in Fairfield County. Their abundant support was noted by the entire committee and by the DOT. I thank all who took the time to make the long journey to Hartford to testify, or submit written testimony, and assure them that I will continue working with my legislative colleagues to move this important initiative forward,” said Senator Boucher.
Municipal Relief From State Mandates
February 23, 2009
"We are living through historic economic times that many predict will change our country and state forever, and we have to be prepared to make difficult, but necessary, adjustments. Mandates that may have merit and made sense when enacted may no longer be feasible. In listening carefully to our residents, our local boards, selectmen and mayors it is clear that we must provide them with relief from financial burdens that cannot be borne under the constraints they are now experiencing,” said Senator Boucher.
Credit Card Fees & Interest Rates
February 18, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) recently testified before the General Assembly’s Banks Committee in favor of her proposed legislation calling for an analysis of the range of credit card fees and interest rates charged consumers.
Affordable Housing
February 17, 2009
“The state’s affordable housing law is responsible for historic changes in how the courts review municipal zoning decisions concerning affordable housing. Since its enactment, many affordable dwellings have been created. However, some bad practices and unintended consequences have also occurred. Developers can use the law to essentially override municipal planning and zoning laws if less than 10 percent of a town’s housing stock is deemed affordable. Developers can appeal a denial by the local authorities to the courts and, unfortunately, many use the law as a way to build costly dense housing wherever they want, without regard to the local development plan. Numerous environmental groups and municipal planning and zoning commissions in my district contacted me to support my affordable housing proposals. Clearly, we need to make some changes,” said Senator Boucher.
Helping the Victims of Identity Theft
February 17, 2009
Senator Boucher Calls For Fast Action On Consumer Requests For Credit Report Freezes
Tough Times Call for Tough Measures
February 6, 2009
It is clear that Governor Rell is responding to the public’s call for austerity and accountability. Like her, I believe that these tough times call for the courage to make the tough decisions that will keep our state moving forward.
Hard, Cold Facts About State Budget
February 3, 2009
The facts about Connecticut’s state budget situation reflect a reality that some are still reluctant to accept. The situation is dire and unlikely to improve in the near future. According to OFA, our tax revenues for this year are falling short by almost $2 billion.
Educate Youth About Teen Dating Violence
February 3, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is proposing legislation that would require the state’s middle schools and high schools to include education about teen dating violence in their health curriculums. This issue may already be addressed by some school districts but can be overlooked by others.
Appointment Of Gail Lavielle
January 23, 2009
Senator Boucher Praises Appointment Of Gail Lavielle Of Wilton To Connecticut Public Transportation Commission: “Gail Lavielle is a finance and communications professional who has been a commuter on our rail lines throughout our state during various periods of her extensive career. She knows what commuters need from our public transportation system. She understands that making much-needed improvements is an important key to the state’s long-term economic viability, ..."
Danbury Branch Line
January 21, 2009
Those of us who have fought so long to ensure that a revitalized Norwalk / Danbury Branch Line is a key component of Connecticut’s mass transit system are greatly encouraged by his and Governor Rell’s most recent efforts to upgrade our historic train line.
A New Year, A New Budget, A New Role
January 13, 2009
As I listened to her State of the State address, I agreed with Governor Rell’s assessment of what our state needs to do: to protect our families and their futures; restore the prosperity built through the inspiration and ingenuity of our founders; and eliminate the impediments to our progress. This is advice worth following at any time, but it is especially meaningful now when far too many people have lost their jobs, or are afraid they will, and far too many businesses are closing their doors, or fear they will be forced to do so.
Senator Toni Boucher Sworn In to Senate
January 7, 2009
Senator Boucher To Serve As Assistant Minority Leader. “I am excited and eager to get to work on the many issues that are important to Connecticut and our district, including resolving our fiscal problems, passing a responsible state budget that holds the line on taxes, and continuing my efforts to modernize commuter rail lines by keeping public policy focused on parking, train station enhancements and more frequent, faster, rail service,” said Senator Boucher, who represented the 143rd District in the House of Representatives for the past 12 years.
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