Reading Across the 90th District!

I maintained tradition and continued to promote literacy, by visiting three schools in the district to take part in Read Across America Day events, visiting Amy Mackay’s 5th grade class at Middlefield Memorial School, Elly Fitzpatrick’s 3rd grade class at Mary Fritz Elementary School and Francesca Hart’s 5th grade class at Pond Hill Elementary School in Wallingford! Pics and more info HERE.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Support Local Food Pantries

Last week, I was fortunate to partner with volunteers from State Farm Insurance to help inspect, sort and package donated food items at Connecticut Foodshare’s Wallingford headquarters on Research Parkway. Working together, we were able to process and package more than 100 boxes of food that will be distributed locally and statewide to people in need. Pics and more info HERE.

Winning Another Democracy Cup!

I joined Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni, Registrars of Voters Joan Parisi and Tom Wolfer, Town Clerk Kristen Panzo, Board of Education member Caroline Raynis, and interested residents and town hall employees gathered in the Town Council Chambers as Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas presented a 2023 Municipal Democracy Cup to the Town of Wallingford. Pics and more info HERE.

Record Journal: "Seeking Another Term"

Helping CT Foodshare Feed Our Neighbors

Wallingford Boys and Girls Club Unveils New Exergame Fitness System!

2024 Major Issues Report Available Now

 

The state’s non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has issued its annual report on important issues the General Assembly may face during the 2024 legislative session that begins February 7th. Please know that there is no requirement that all upcoming proposals appear in this document.

Click here to see this report.

Kudos to a LOCAL HERO!

Earlier today, State Senator Paul Cicarella, Wallingford Town Council Chair Joe Marrone and Vice Chair Christina Tatta, Board of Education member Caroline Raynis, and I presented an official state citation to Wallingford Postal Carrier Michael Waite for his heroic actions to alert residents of an apartment complex of a late-December fire in the building.

Putting aside concern for his own safety and reacting by instinct, Mr. Waite, a Meriden resident, quickly assessed the danger and went door to door of the Terrace Garden Apartment Complex to make sure everyone knew of the fire and would get out safely. Thanks to his actions, no one was harmed and only property was damaged.

Wallingford's Post Office already did a good job, but this is above and beyond. Well done and thank you!

Recognizing National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Here's to a Healthy, Happy, and SAFE New Year!

THE CBIA Recognizes My 100% Pro-Business Voting Record

Today, I was recognized by Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized with a perfect voting score on key bills impacting Connecticut’s economic growth and business climate during the 2023 legislative session.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) ranked all state lawmakers based on their support for the business community’s positions on 10 important policies. The bills all affect job creation, small business growth and economic stability in Connecticut.

The scorecard was calculated using select pieces of legislation and may reflect votes from committee, the House, or both. The bills assessed in the report are:

• SB 938 – An Act Concerning (AAC) Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers
• SB 1020 – An Act Establishing a First-Time Homebuyer’s Savings Account and a Related Tax Deduction
• SB 1091 – AAC Certain Business Reporting Requirements
• SB 1145 – AAC Establishment of Sector Specific Subtargets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• SB 1178 – An Act Expanding Connecticut Paid Sick Days
• SB 1179 – An Act Amending Connecticut Paid Family Medical Leave
• HB 6273 – AAC Disclosure of Salary Ranges on Public and Internal Job Postings
• HB 6558 – AAC Property Tax Abatement for Certain First-Time Home Buyers
• HB 6585 – AAC A Study to Promote Workforce Development Using the Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program as a Model
• HB 6710 – AAC Association Health Plans and Establishing a Task Force to Study Stop-Loss Insurance

The complete CBIA legislative scorecard can be viewed here: https://www.cbia.com/issues-policies/2023-ct-house-voting-records/

For more information on the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, the largest most representative business organization in the state, please visit www.cbia.com.

Candidate Forum - October 7, 2022 – Connecticut’s High Cost of Living

Candidate Forum - October 7, 2022 – How to address Connecticut’s High Cost of Living

At a recent Candidate Forum, the moderator asked, "How would you work to reduce the high cost of living [in Connecticut], if elected?” Here is a short video of my answer.

https://youtu.be/JlopEw1VQYU

Candidate Forum - October 7, 2022 – What Should Be The Top Priority of the 2023 General Assembly?

On Friday, October 7, 2022, various local Chamber(s) of Commerce held a Candidate Forum in North Haven, during which it was asked: "What do you think should be the top priority of the 2023 General Assembly?” Here is video of my answer:

https://youtu.be/j9Bjl_d7OFY

Candidate Forum - October 7, 2022 – "How should we attract new businesses to our state?"

On Friday, October 7, 2022, various local Chamber(s) of Commerce held a Candidate Forum in North Haven, during which it was asked: "Attracting and retaining companies, right here in the state of Connecticut is key to ensure that the state remains competitive. If elected, how would you ensure that we continue to attract new business to come to Connecticut?" Here is video of my answer:

https://youtu.be/iQOfbmZAhKE

Candidate Forum - 10/7/2022 - "How would you prioritize retaining Connecticut residents in the state?”

Recently various local Chamber(s) of Commerce held a Candidate Forum during which the moderator asked: “During the pandemic, Connecticut attracted 50,000 new residents from New York. Retaining Connecticut residents is essential to business in so many ways: it enhances the local economy, enhances the workforce, and ensures that Connecticut remains competitive with other states. So how would you prioritize retaining Connecticut residents in the state?”

Here is a link to the video of my answer: https://youtu.be/YPKRB7spBWY

CT Police Chiefs Association sends letter of thanks for my legislative efforts in support of police

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the CONNECTICUT POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION for recognizing my efforts on behalf of our men and women in blue who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep us safe. Their thanks is met with my thanks FOR ALL THAT THEY DO. #GoodStuff

CT Sees Uptick in Fraudulent Benefit Claims (How to Protect Against It)

Only a month until the FISHBEIN/YMCA COMMUNITY ROAD RACE!

Always a fun-filled community event, this year the 2022 FISHBEIN/YMCA COMMUNITY ROAD RACE will take place on Sunday, October 2, the morning of the second day of Celebrate Wallingford.

Events include a 5K, 1M Walk, and a Youth Race. All proceeds go towards the Wallingford YMCA’s Community Support Campaign, which funds LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA (their cancer survivor program), as well as providing financial assistance for all of the Wallingford YMCA’s programs and services.

More info here: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wallingford/FishbeinYMCARoadRace

SEE YOU THERE!

I was elected to represent you, California's politicians were NOT...

Public Hearing Regarding Escalating Costs for Home Heating

 

In early June, my Republican colleagues and I raised concerns about the financial pressure residents would experience this fall as they faced the skyrocketing expense of heating their homes. We proposed a plan to use some of the state's significant surplus funds to provide additional home heating assistance to those who would need it. Unfortunately, our plan fell on deaf ears.

However, Our concern on this subject continues as the legislature grapples with the reality that one-time federal funding for people who rely on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has evaporated. I want you to know that there’s a public hearing Monday that provides you an opportunity to share your concerns about this topic either in person (via Zoom) or by submitting written testimony. I hope you’ll consider participating by telling state lawmakers about how rising home heating costs will impact you and your family members. Here’s how to participate:

Public Hearing: Committees on Appropriations, Energy, and Human Services

Monday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. – Zoom

FFY 23 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Allocation Plan Proposed Amendment to the FFY 23 Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Grant Allocation Plan

The Appropriations, Energy and Technology and Human Services Committees will hold a joint public hearing, followed by committee meetings, on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live.

Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Registration will close on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 3:00 PM. If you do not have internet access, you may provide testimony via telephone. To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at 860-240-0033 to leave your contact information.

Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to each committee at the following email addresses: APPTestimony@cga.ct.gov; ETTestimony@cga.ct.gov; HSTestimony@cga.ct.gov.

You can watch the hearing via CT-N or YouTube Live.

From the Record Journal Newspaper: "Living the American Dream"

From the Record Journal Newspaper - 8/24/2022

New 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Unveiled

An important priority this past session was to address mental and behavioral needs of our residents. One important measure we passed included funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

As of July 16th, that number is active. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to either the 988 line, medical or emergency service professionals or trusted family and friends.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Help is available.

For more information, please click HERE.

Please Protect Your Pets - It is HOT Outside!

With hot temperatures here for the summer it’s important to be prepared, and that includes making sure your pets are safe, too.

Click below for tips from the American Red Cross, but essentially treat your pets like you treat yourself to stay cool.

https://www.cthousegop.com/fishbein/hot-asphalt-awareness/

Comment Period Open for Proposed Insurance Rate Increases

 

The Connecticut Insurance Department is considering substantial proposed rate increases for individual and small group (for employers with 50 or fewer workers) insurance markets. The average of the proposed rate increases is 20% which is well above what I consider reasonable, especially with inflation and high prices already taking too much money out of your wallet.

 

To learn more about the proposals, and for a link to send your comment to the Insurance Department, please click here:

https://www.cthousegop.com/fishbein/comment-period-open-for-proposed-insurance-rate-increases/

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Our Adolescents

 Passed during the 2022 Legislative Session, HB5001 comprehensively addressed many concerns regarding mental health issues of adolescents. I am proud to have supported its passage. Below please find a synopsis of some of its content. Here is a link to the legislation's page: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2022&bill_num=5001

Recap of 2022 State Budget Discussions

A main purpose of the even year legislative session is to make adjustments to the state's biennial budget passed in the prior odd year session. The 2022 session's budget discussions were buoyed by hundreds of millions of one-time federal COVID relief dollars. Here is my synopsis of those budget discussions:

Some Brief Highlights of the 2022 Session

Some of my priority bills during the 2022 session

In the 2022 legislative session, we handled well over 500 bills. Not all of them passed. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to get many of my priority initiatives passed, some of which are highlighted here.

A Brief Recap of Juvenile Justice / Public Safety Reforms in the 2002 Session

In the 2022 session, we were able to get some juvenile justice reforms passed, although not all of our public safety bills were met with favor. Here is a brief recap.

Wallingford 350th (+2): Three Cheers for Gaylord Gauntlet 2022!

Another FANTASTIC Wallingford350 Event was held over the weekend, the Annual Gaylord Gauntlet! One of my very favorite events of the year, which benefits the various programs for patients and the community as well as the Gaylord Sports Association which provides adaptive sports for people with physical disabilities.

(I must admit that inevitably I ask myself somewhere half-way through WHY I am putting myself through this. The self-doubt is quick though as I see the adaptive athletes who have had to overcome much more challenging obstacles than I have.) Their intestinal fortitude is both inspiring and motivational. THREE CHEERS! Hip, Hip, Hurray! Hip, Hip, Hurray! Hip, Hip ...

HURRAY!

Wallingford 350th (+2): Jubilee (Sip & Savor Event)

Wallingford 350th (+2): Jubilee (Women's Day Tea)

A FANTASTIC turnout at this afternoon's Women's Day Tea, sponsored by the Wallingford Community Women as part of the Wallingford 350th (+2) Jubilee. Great food, great conversation, great friends and, of course GREAT TEA! #WallingfordCT #350+2Jubilee

Wallingford 350th (+2): Jubilee (Essay Contest Winner Selected!)

Wallingford’s 350^th +2 Jubilee has been the talk of the town for more than two years and despite the delay, I   was going to make sure Wallingford’s youth received the recognition they deserved for researching and writing about their favorite local historical figure.

Two years ago, before the pandemic suspended the town’s 350^th Jubilee festivities, I sponsored a voluntary 400-500 word essay contest for Middle school students from both Dag Hammarskjold and James H. Moran Sr. Middle School on their “Favorite pre-1960 Wallingford Historical Figure, and Why?”

The winner – Luke Bobarsky, who wrote about Moses Yale Beach – was announced during the History Day Continental Breakfast at the Wallingford Historical Society on Monday, June 20^th.  I read his winning essay to a crowd of more than 50 people gathered in front of the historical society building on Main Street.

In order to truly engage students with town history, I narrowed the theme to focus on Wallingford figures deceased prior to 1960. Essays were judged by each school’s administration based on form, style, research, grammar, and insight. From four finalists, I chose the top essay.

The four finalists:

• Luke Bobarsky, whose winning essay is addressed above.
• Emilia R. Farrell, who wrote about John Brockett and Alfred L. Pierce.
• Maritza Hernandez, who wrote about Lyman Hall.
• Carter Lagasse, who wrote about Dr. Mark T. Sheehan.

The Wallingford Historical Society is located at 180 South Main Street, Wallingford.

Wallingford 350th (+2): Jubilee (All-Faith Service)

A very moving and inspirational Juneteenth All-Faith Service at Choate's St. John Chapel. Another GREAT EVENT in celebration of the Wallingford 350th (+2) Jubilee. Thank you very much to Lorraine Connelly and Jerry Farrell, Jr. for all their work in putting this program together. #WallingfordCT #350+2Jubilee

Happy CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM! Happy Juneteenth!

Earlier this year, I proudly joined my colleagues in the legislature as we passed important legislation in the recognition of FREEDOM, and Governor Lamont signed into law, Public Act 22-128, which makes June 19th an official state holiday known as Juneteenth Independence Day.

 

Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is a commemoration of the end of slavery and marks the date Federal troops freed slaves in Texas following the Emancipation Proclamation which took effect on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth is also referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

 

This new Connecticut law takes effect on October 1st of this year, which means Juneteenth will be officially recognized and first-celebrated as a state holiday next year on June 19, 2023.

 

I hope you’ll join me this, next, and every year to pause and reflect on how important our freedoms are, and the work that still needs to be done to ensure we are all equal.

GREAT TIME at the Most Holy Trinity Church Bazaar!

From Record Journal Media: "Rep. Fishbein Organizes Essay Contest"

"As a way to get the town’s youth involved in the upcoming Wallingford 350+2 Jubilee celebration, State Rep. Craig Fishbein created an essay contest for middle school students. Four finalists have been selected and the winner will be announced during the History Day breakfast on June 20, at 7:30 a.m. at the Wallingford Historical Society..."

https://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/Wallingford/Wallingford-News/Rep-Craig-Fishbein-organizes-Essay-Contest

Republican Plan to Address Soaring Costs for Connecticut Residents

Presentation of Citation to the retiring Rev. Anne Bracket

Letter to the Editor: "Margin of Victory"

Remembering Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Freedom

Republican Delegates UNANIMOUSLY Endorse My Re-Election!

National Police Week is May 11-17, 2022

THANK YOU to those that Protect and Serve!

Catalytic Converter Bill Passes

Tonight, we passed SB 256 (a bill that went through both the Public Safety Committee, and the Judiciary Committee) to tackle the incredible increase of catalytic converter theft by prohibiting scrap yards and recyclers from accepting them unless attached to a vehicle or marked with an identifiable stock number. The legislation also requires scrap dealers to keep detailed records.

Here is a link to the bill's page: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2022&bill_num=256

CT Humane Society (and Puppies) Visit the Capitol

"Drug Take Back Day" is April 30th

I just wanted you to know that Saturday, April 30th, is National Drug Take Back Day. This is part of the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative to safely dispose of unwanted medications.

 

In WALLINGFORD Police Department is holding the event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the police station parking lot located at 135 N. Main St. Drivers will be able to pull in, hand over the items and exit without having to leave their vehicle.

 

In MIDDLEFIELD, it will take place at the Middlefield Resident Troopers Office, located at 405 Main St, and you can also call their non-emergency number (860)349-9685 for more information

For even more information, including locations of other drop-offs, please click HERE:

Rep. Fishbein participates in Workforce Development Roundtable Discussion

“Supporting the business community needs to be more than platitudes. We must listen to their needs, and make sure our laws don’t hamper their ability to hire qualified employees,” State Rep. Craig Fishbein said. “The manufacturing and construction industry have distinctly different hiring needs than small retail or healthcare employers. We must do more to support workforce development across all sectors.”

(Please click title of news item for more information.)

The CT Renters’ Rebate Program is accepting applications

The CT Renters’ Rebate Program is accepting applications from now through October 1 for elderly and disabled renters. For additional questions, please contact the Renters’ Rebate Hotline at 860-418-6377 or online at Renters Rebate For Elderly/Disabled Renters Tax Relief Program (ct.gov)which can be accessed HERE.

Rep. Fishbein and the Judiciary Committee Favorably Vote for Bill Strengthening Juvenile Justice Laws

“Over the last year, House Republicans have traversed the state calling for changes to the policies and procedures in our Juvenile Justice system. I’m pleased to announce that through negotiation and compromise many of the important provisions we’ve advocated for will be realized,” Rep. Craig Fishbein, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee said. More information is available HERE.

Kickball for a CAUSE! (Connecticut Foodshare)

Please join us on Monday, April 11^th at 4:30 p.m. at Dunkin’ Donuts Park for the Inaugural CGA Kickball Classic.

This fun charity event will probably make you laugh and is GUARANTEED to make you feel good with ALL of the proceeds being donated to Connecticut Foodshare. Connecticut Foodshare, according to the website, “supports individuals and families – from one end of the state to the other – by addressing root causes, creating long-term solutions, and distributing nutritious food through local partner programs in an effort to alleviate hunger.”

The ONLY thing better than spending a Monday evening at the park watching your favorite legislators run around the bases like they’re at fifth grade recess is knowing you helped a great cause!

If you want to witness the sporting spectacle of the session, GET YOUR TICKETS here!

CCDL Legislator of the Year Award!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the CCDL (Connecticut Citizens Defense League), Connecticut's main gun rights group, comprised of 42,000 members strong, for voting me their 2021 LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR!

Celebrating Read Across America Day!

Rep. Fishbein and Fellow House Republicans Present Plan to Address Connecticut's Crime Crisis

Today, I joined my House Republican colleagues for a news conference outlining our legislative proposals addressing Connecticut’s crime crisis. We were also joined by victims and advocates to explain how the crisis has impacted them.

Our proposals are the result of months of discussions between law enforcement, crime victims, advocates, concerned citizens, government agencies and other stakeholders.

You can view our proposals here https://www.cthousegop.com/safety, and watch the news conference here: https://youtu.be/6_X3YDGq5Hs

Meeting with members of the CT Apartment Association (CTAA)

Great meeting with members of the Connecticut Apartment Association (CTAA) discussing the difficulties of providing Connecticut residents with a vital service - that being clean, safe and adequate housing stock. Unfortunately, some denigrate the efforts of landlords to provide this service. I for one appreciate the efforts of these business people.

Please Protect Your Animals from Cold Temperatures

With the potential for major snow this weekend, and with temperatures expected to stay low and wind chills making it feel even colder, it’s important to think about the care of your pets, too!

Some animals, like our state’s beloved Husky, enjoy being outside in the cold and snow, but even they have their limits. Leaving animals exposed to extreme weather is cruel, can be deadly for them, and could be against the law.

If you suspect abuse locally, please contact: Cheshire Animal Control, Wallingford Animal Control or your local police department.

The ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States offer good information and tips to keep animals safe and healthy.

To make sure your pets are properly protected and cared for, the Humane Society offers the following five tips to protect pets in winter, and guidelines on what to do if you suspect animals are being mistreated.

• Keep pets sheltered
• Bundle up, wipe down
• Remove common poisons
• Protect outdoor animals
• Speak out

If you suspect an animal is being abused, including being left outside in extreme heat or cold, please:

• Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case.
• Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff’s office: and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.
• If you need advice, contact the Humane Society. Because they aren’t a law enforcement agency, they cannot take legal action, but can provide expert counsel.
• If you have pets, follow advice for keeping them safe in cold weather.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day