Jan. 19, 2016: State Representative Lonnie Reed today announced her intention to run for re-election in the 102nd District. The District is comprised of most of Branford, excluding the Pine Orchard and Stony Creek areas.

"Serving in the House of Representatives is a privilege I take very seriously, stated Reed. "Day after day, people from all over my district call me to ask for help with an issue or agency or to share their opinions and perspectives. I am dedicated to being the best possible champion for our Branford citizens, and I welcome hearing ideas from my constituents on everything from the budget and economic development to healthcare, education and transportation infrastructure."

Navigating through a difficult economy has been a top priority for Representative Reed. "It is imperative that we as legislators understand the delicate balance between meeting the critical needs of our citizens and ensuring our ability to pay for those services and grow our economy," said Reed. "I voted against the budget as presented last year because I felt it had not found that balance. I was one of only 11 Democrats to vote no and getting our fiscal house in order must be a top priority."

Reed, first elected in 2008, is the House Chair for the Energy and Technology Committee. She has fought for policies to make energy cleaner for the environment and more affordable for the ratepayer. Reed said, "From preserving Long Island Sound to promoting renewable energy such as solar and wind to protecting the electric ratepayer from supplier gimmicks, I've worked hard to implement sound energy and environmental policy for our citizens." Reed helped write and led the House debate last session for the new law banning the sale of variable rate contracts to residential consumers, many of whom suddenly received electric bills three times higher than expected. Since the ban's passage, complaints have dropped dramatically.

Recently featured in the Hartford Business Journal for her accomplishments in renewable energies, Reed sponsored two landmark bills that create more solar energy opportunity for everyone. The Solar Home Renewable Energy Credit (SHREC) provides incentives for 40,000 homes to use solar power. The Community Solar Act fast tracks pilot programs allowing neighbors to share solar facilities, saving consumer dollars and opening up solar power to apartments, condominiums and homeowners who can afford to install solar only if they partner with neighbors.

"We must move full-steam ahead on renewable forms of energy, for both environmental and fiscal reasons." stated Reed.  "Fossil fuels contribute to dirty air and climate change. Our efforts to conserve more energy and promote renewables make our state a leader in the kind of responsible energy deployment that also attracts and nourishes greater economic development."

A long-time advocate for Long Island Sound, Reed is Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, a group of Shoreline legislators dedicated to protecting the natural beauty and sustainability of Long Island Sound. She joined forces with scientific, commercial and recreational stakeholders to develop a Blue Plan for Long Island Sound designed to map the Sound's assets and vulnerabilities, providing legislators with the tools necessary to preserve the multi-billion dollar natural resource.

"In the end, what matters most to me is the quality of life of the citizens I represent," stated Reed.  "Branford's thriving commercial sector, excellent school system, beautiful shoreline, social services other public assets have been my focus and are what drive me to be the loudest voice I can be for our community."