April 6, 2016: Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D, District 12) today announced his plans to seek reelection for the 12th State Senate District. This morning, he filed formal candidate papers with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

"It has been a tremendous honor serving as state senator in the Connecticut General Assembly for the 12th District," said Kennedy. "I am extraordinarily grateful to the residents of Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Durham and Killingworth for entrusting me to represent them.

"Our state enjoys unique and exceptional assets: a prime geographic location, world-class research institutions, a highly skilled workforce, and countless cultural, historical and environmental treasures. However, since the global recession, Connecticut has faced significant economic setbacks. Slow job growth and a structural shift in our economy have created a state budget crisis as well as financial uncertainties for many of our district's families and businesses.

"As a bone cancer survivor and amputee, I've faced difficult challenges before. What I've learned is to accept change, create new ways to adapt and implement these new strategies successfully. I know that with both hard work and teamwork - and tapping into the best ideas from both parties - we can revitalize Connecticut's fiscal health, create a more positive business climate, address critical social service needs and protect our beautiful natural resources.

"In my role as Senate Chair of the Environment Committee, I have led the charge on significant environmental reforms that impact Long Island Sound, farmland preservation, plastic pollutants in our rivers and streams, and toxic pesticides on municipal playgrounds. When I first ran for the State Senate, I pledged to serve in a bipartisan manner, and during my time in office, I have worked hard to keep that promise. All 22 environmental bills signed into law in the 2015 session were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. So far, in 2016, the majority of all bills voted out of the Environment Committee passed unanimously.

"As a health care lawyer and member of the Public Health Committee, I understand how well-intentioned regulations can sometimes increase health costs without providing better healthcare. I am fighting to eliminate this kind of wasteful spending. Recently, I helped enact innovative reimbursement reforms that allow seniors and people with disabilities to access in-home care and avoid state spending on more costly nursing home stays. I am also working to ensure mental health parity is being properly implemented.

"Getting our fiscal house in order is critical. Last month, I voted to close the 2016 budget shortfall and still restore hospital funding in full, preserve town aid and protect funds for core social services. I also partnered with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to organize the first-ever Shoreline Economic Strategic Planning Summit. Over 150 local business leaders attended the multi-panel discussion that identified our region's strategic assets, promising opportunities, bureaucratic barriers and ways to improve our competitiveness.

"Understanding and meeting the needs of my constituents has always been my number one priority. From working to resolve hundreds of constituent cases, to hosting regular 'Open Office Hours' across the district, to meaningful constituent conversations that provide insight and inspiration for my legislative efforts, I strive to work tirelessly on behalf of all the residents and families of my district. I look forward to discussing these and other issues during my campaign and working hard to earn the support of residents of the 12th District."