Tag Archives: Connecticut State Senator Kevin Witkos

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Honored to Serve as Your State Senator – Witkos

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I want to take a moment to thank my fellow residents in the 8th Senate District for placing your trust in me to represent our communities in Hartford. Being elected to the state Senate is an incredible honor and I am extremely proud to have earned the support of people throughout Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.

Senator Witkos joins fellow Republican Senators at a state Capitol press conference to announce their election wins.

Senator Witkos joins fellow Republican Senators at a state Capitol press conference to announce their election wins.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation for my family, friends and volunteers who have supported me and my vision for a better Connecticut. As Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore I will continue to fight for change in Hartford to make our state a great place to live, work and raise our families.

Connecticut is a beautiful state that sadly faces many challenges. Together we have to address these challenges head on. We must work together to reduce burdens on families, grow jobs and create a business environment people can be confident about. Now that the Republican minority party has gained 3 seats in the state Senate, we have tied the Democrats 18-18 and will share control of the chamber. I look forward to this change and hope it will foster more balanced conversations and encourage collaboration across the aisle to do what is in the best interest of our state and our residents.

As I prepare for a new legislative session, I also look forward to hearing from all of you, my constituents. As your state senator, it’s my responsibility to bring your voices and unique ideas to Hartford. I firmly believe that no single person owns a monopoly on good ideas. So when it comes to solving the state’s mounting budget problems or enacting new state policy, I believe every person should have an opportunity to share their ideas for bettering our state. To make your voice heard, please visit my website at www.senatorwitkos.com and click “Take Action.”

Thank you for your support and trust.

-Kevin Witkos

 

 

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Barkhamsted Election Day Results

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November 8th, 2016

Written by Juliana Simone

The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee is proud to have won our town for our Presidential nominee Donald Trump, as well as our Congressional candidate, Matthew Corey, and our State Senator Kevin Witkos.

Numbers just reported from our fine Registrar of Voters:

POTUS:

Trump/Pence: 1155

Clinton/Kaine: 899

{Libertarian candidate ticket got 94 and Green party ticket got 36}

U.S. Senate:

Richard Blumenthal: 1099

Dan Carter: 1005

{libertarian candidate 43 and Green party candidate 19}

U.S. States Representative (CT-1)

Matthew Corey: 1077

Rep. John Larson: 1014

{green party candidate 41}

State Senator:

Kevin Witkos (R-8): 1504

Pena: 648

State Rep. Simanski: 805 {unopposed}

Registrar of Voters (R): 

Susan Day: 1625

 

 

Press

ICYMI: “Conservative Chat” Tonight 7PM Charter Channel 191 with State Senator Witkos

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(l) State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and BRTC Chair and "Conservative Chat" host Juliana Simone
(l) State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and BRTC Chair and “Conservative Chat” host Juliana Simone

“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Thursday evening, January 28th, 2016, at 7PM on Charter Cable Channel 191, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents Deputy Senate Minority Leader State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and BRTC Chair and host Juliana Simone. Kevin and Juliana discuss General Electric’s move out of state, Governor Malloy and the democratic majority’s business and taxpayer unfriendly legislation, the Department of Transportation’s funds proposed “lock box”, the upcoming Supreme Court’s decision on unions charging fees to non-union members; any possibility of ending collective bargaining in our state; the Syrian refugees coming to Connecticut, second amendment issues, news concerning our Senate District 8, the second largest in the state, and some ideas Kevin will bring with him going into the start of the next session in February and more!

For those who are not Charter subscribers or who are outside of the viewing area this show can be seen on-line on www.ctv13.net under VOD “Conservative Chat” 102.

Deputy Senator Minority Leader Kevin Witkos (R-8)
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Kevin Witkos (R-8)
News

State Senator Witkos: What’s Happening at the Department of Labor?

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Many people are talking about a large round of layoffs and consolidations expected to hit CT’s Department of Labor (DOL). Most would agree that shrinking the size of government is an important part of getting spending under control. However, these changes raised some interesting questions that have led the administration to flip flop on their consolidation plans.

According to the administration, the department needs to reduce its staff and potentially close some job centers because of a decrease in federal funding to the tune of $32 million over the next two years.

Why does federal funding impact state employees? In total, 90% of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s budget is from the federal government; that’s roughly 700 of their 800 employees. When a state’s unemployment rate decreases, the amount of funding their labor department receives from the federal government decreases as well.

To deal with the reduced federal funding, the state announced earlier this year they will be laying off 95 employees. They also originally said that they would have to close 5 job centers as a result. You can imagine the uproar. The job centers are locations where unemployed or underemployed individuals can go to get help writing a resume or searching for a job. With thousands of people still unemployed across the state, closing programs designed to get people back to work was questioned by many.

Fast-forward to mid-September and the governor’s budget office is backtracking. The layoffs are still moving forward, but according to the Office of Policy and Management the job centers in Enfield, Meriden, New Britain, Norwich, Torrington and Willimantic will remain open. However, they will be managed by the Workforce Investment Board starting in October.

It’s important to reduce the size of government especially when faced with decreased funding. It’s also important to make sure our government is properly using its resources where we need them most.

Although this federal funding change indicates a lower unemployment rate, we have to keep in mind that CT is still not out of the woods when it comes to employment numbers.

Connecticut still lags behind nearby states. Job growth is very uneven. For example, CT’s manufacturing sector lost 917 jobs over the past year. In addition, 66% of total job gains recently reported by the state Department of Labor came from temporary help and landscaping – not permanent year round jobs. Another 27% in growth came from government jobs.

Another concerning factor is what could happen if companies start leaving CT as GE has all but committed to. It won’t be long before more jobs leave from companies of all sizes as the elimination of one huge player will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the whole state, including our unemployment rate. Already, one in every three companies has reported being solicited to leave the state.

While a smaller government workforce is a good thing, clearly there are factors that need to be weighed before closing job centers. CT should be doing everything we can to help people find jobs, while also making the most of smaller workforces and limited resources when times are tough. I’m glad to see that the job centers will continue operating through the non-profit Workforce Investment Board.

Sen. Witkos, Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore, represents the 8th District towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.

Committee Events

2014 Biannual Event article

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September 30, 2014

The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held their biannual event with a long list of special guest speakers, including college conservative talk radio host and political advocate Jayson Veley, State Representative William Simanski (R-62), State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1), Connecticut political commentator Don Pesci, former U.S. Comptroller General and recent LG candidate Dave Walker, U.S. Senate candidate 2012 and SOTS candidate 2014 Peter Lumaj, and former Congressman (CT-2) retired Army Colonel Rob Simmons. Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone emceed the event and member Salvatore Tartaglione, who serves on the town Board of Finance, hosted the event at his home which is also a bed and breakfast destination for fly fishermen.

Well attended by town and area supporters from Avon to New Hartford, fine food was served throughout the evening. The Republican American and local newspaper Independent News covered the occasion.  Special thanks to Barbara Herrlich for her help in decorating, Steve Blackburn, Treasurer, and to all RTC members and guests.

 

 

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(l-r) WMHJRESQ, Jenn, Dave Walker, Rob Simmons – Barkhamsted CT September 2014
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(l-r) Dan Jerram, Justin Bernier, William Landers – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
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(l-r) Stephen Hunt, Angela Campetti, Greg Piecuch – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
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(l-r) Sue Day, John Doyle – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014

 

Don Pesci - Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
Don Pesci – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
Jayson Veley - Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
Jayson Veley – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
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(l-r) Juliana Simone and Angela Campetti – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014

 

 

News

New Hartford Essay Contest Winners Honored by State Lawmakers

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State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and State Representative William Simanski (R-62) with New Hartford CT Essay Winner Matthew Maltby
State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and State Representative William Simanski (R-62) with New Hartford CT Essay Winner Matthew Maltby

SEN. WITKOS, REP. SIMANSKI CELEBRATE LOCAL STUDENT WRITERS

Lawmakers Award Essay Contest Winners Alongside Northwest Community Bank

 

New Hartford  – Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) recognized a group of young writers for their exceptional submissions in a school essay contest sponsored by Northwest Community Bank.  The winning students, sixth graders from the Ann Antolini School, were recognized by Senator Witkos, Representative Simanski and Carole Monroe, Branch Manager and Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank, at a ceremony at the school on Monday, June 15.

 

The winning students wrote essays in response to the question:  “Describe the American Melting Pot as it relates to immigration.”  Responses discussed many topics including changes in how immigrants enter the United States today as compared to a century ago. 

 

“Congratulations to all the participants and the impressive winners who wrote so eloquently on this important topic,” said Senator Witkos. “Our nation is unique in that we were founded, created and developed by people who traveled here from many different countries. The immigrant experience throughout history shaped our country into the amazing nation and melting pot it is today. Thank you to all the students who shared their own thoughts and feelings about our nation’s history and our journey forward. ”

“We’ve held this contest annually for several years now, and each year I continue to be impressed with the insight and ability of our students to present their thoughtful, well-crafted essays,” said Rep. Simanski.  “This year’s topic required both historical research and critical thinking on an important topic that remains at the forefront of debate for our state and our nation.  These students did a wonderful job sharing their own views and findings. I’d like to congratulate all of our winners on their accomplishments.  I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Northwest Community Bank, for their continued partnership in making this such a successful event.”

 

The winning students recognized at the event include:

Samantha Jacobs

Matthew Maltby

Cody Worsman

Robbie Eselby

 

Runners up include:

Kelly Oberheim

Megan Koester

Natalie Munson

Bethany Adams

 

“Northwest Community Bank is so pleased to support the Essay Contest again this year,” said Gayle E. Moraski, Northwest Community Bank Vice President. “This year’s topic was especially good.  I am always amazed that each student’s essay is different from each other.  And the level of confidence that the students have reading the essays in front of family and other students is incredible.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of this program and we look forward to next year!”

High Resolution Photos available for download on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/srophotos/sets/72157654281506699

  • Photo 1: Winner Matthew Maltby with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank (PHOTO 1 is also ATTACHED)
  • Photo 2: Runner up Kelly Oberheim with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 3: Runner up Megan Koester with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 4: Runner up Natalie Munson with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 5: Runner Up Bethany Adams with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 6: Winner Samantha Jacobs with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 7: Winner Cody Worsman with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 8: Winner Robbie Eselby with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank
  • Photo 9: Amanda Shaw, Ann Antolini School Principal with Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski and Carole Monroe Assistant VP of Northwest Community Bank

 

 

Committee Events

BRTC Riverton Fair Booth with CT Republican candidate for Governor Tom Foley

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BRTC Riverton Fair Booth with Tom Foley
BRTC Riverton Fair Booth with Tom Foley

Photo (l-r) BRTC member Mark Mahoney, Ambassador Tom Foley, Mark Carotenuto, BRTC member Jerry Thompson, BRTC Chair Juliana Simone, BRTC member Ernie Little, State Representative William Simanski (R-62)

Riverton Fair brings out Tom Foley and other candidates seeking votes

October 11, 2014

Written by Juliana Simone

Barkhamsted, CT – Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Foley, Secretary of the State candidate Peter Lumaj, First Congressional Candidate Matthew Corey, State Senator Kevin Witkos, and State Representative William Simanski all came to the Riverton Fair this past weekend to meet residents and speak with them about their concerns in this poor economy. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee reserved space on the fairgrounds to promote their candidates.

Friday night, kicked off the start of the fair’s 105th year of holding this event which began in 1909. Friday is considered ‘local’s night’ and is largely attended by Barkhamsted residents. Secretary of the State candidate Peter Lumaj, First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey and State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) all were on hand to talk to attendees about the upcoming election November 4th, and answer any questions they may have as voters. Most people who stopped by all expressed the same message which consisted of overwhelming taxes, increased by sitting Democrat Governor Dannel Malloy and his majority legislature, the high unemployment which had at least one family member jobless, and the punitive nature against small business owners that barely allowed them to stay in business or made them go under.

(l-r)First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey, State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Secretary of the State candidate Peter Lumaj
(l-r)First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey, State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Secretary of the State candidate Peter Lumaj

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Saturday, Ambassador and businessman Tom Foley dropped in and talked with numerous voters and vendors who all told him how much he was needed now in our state of Connecticut. Thrilled to meet Tom, some took selfies or had staff take their photos with Mr. Foley, but also told him personal stories of how much the democrat majority in the General Assembly over the decades, and now worse with Malloy in the Executive Branch, have hurt their families and/or businesses. Tom, a great listener, and personable candidate who truly cares about Connecticut and its future, spent as much time as needed with anyone who was happy to have his ear.

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Tom speaks with retired Winsted RTC Chair Richard Lavieri and a teacher.
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(l-r) Former BRTC Chair and manufacturer John Lavieri, State Rep. Bill Simansk (R-62) and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley

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Sunday closed out the event, but the RTC booth was busy with fair goers who asked relevant questions and asked for candidate’s literature and lawn signs. The Republican ticket, including some candidates who are also endorsed by the Independent Party, can only hope Connecticut citizens recognize the dismal state it is in appearing statistically time and time again as the nation’s worst place for business, employment, retirement, taxes, gas prices, etc. and recognize it’s time for a change with new leadership.