Hwang Sworn in for 134th, Receives Committee Assignments

HARTFORD– State Representative Tony Hwang on Wednesday received legislative committee assignments from House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr.

Hwang was elected to his first term on Nov. 4 and in the days afterward he prepared himself for the start of the legislative session that opened this week.

He represents the 134th General Assembly District covering Trumbull and Fairfield.

“Most importantly, I want to express my thanks to the voters for placing their trust in me,” Hwang said. “It is a tremendous honor. Since the election, I’ve worked to secure committee assignments that will directly benefit our district.”

Hwang will serve on the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies. Other issues under the committee’s jurisdiction include matters relating to state employees’ salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers’ retirement and veterans’ pensions and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees.

“I appreciate Representative Cafero’s confidence in appointing me to the Appropriations Committee,” Hwang said. “It’s no secret we’re facing an extremely difficult state budget situation and I will do my best to ensure funding to Fairfield and Trumbull is not shortchanged in any way.”

He will also serve as a member of the Transportation Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Transportation, including highways and bridges, navigation, aeronautics, mass transit and railroads; and to the State Traffic Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“Fairfield County is the region of our state that most needs attention regarding transportation issues,” Hwang said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve both roadway and mass transit conditions locally.”

Finally, Hwang will serve on the Education Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Education; local and regional boards of education and the substantive law of collective bargaining covering teachers and professional employees of such boards; vocational rehabilitation; the Commission on the Arts; and libraries, museums and historical and cultural associations.

“There is no more far-reaching investment the state makes than our children’s education,” Hwang. said. “We must retain a high degree of local control, so that parents in Fairfield and Trumbull have the most accountability possible over school issues in our communities.”

“I am certain Tony Hwang will be a highly effective member of these committees,” said Cafero (R-Norwalk.) “His common-sense approach to government is sorely needed in Hartford and I’m confident he will do an outstanding job for his district and all citizens of Connecticut.”