Printer Friendly Version - 86th's Candelora Continues as Deputy House GOP Leader

State Rep. Vincent Candelora is shown here during opening day of the 2017 legislative session. Candelora introduced an amendment that would have given the House the authority to vote on contracts, awards or agreements put forth by the executive branch and state unions. The amendment failed on a 76-72 party-line vote. Candelora put the legislation forth in an attempt to give the House a greater say in current contract negotiations.Photo from CT House Republicans

HARTFORD – State Representative Vincent Candelora (R) North Branford, Durham, Guilford and Wallingford) took the oath of office on Wednesday, January 4, kicking off his sixth term representing the 86th district in the Connecticut General Assembly.

Since 2011, Candelora has served as Deputy Republican Leader, which is the second highest position in the House Republican Caucus.

"It is an honor to be appointed Deputy House Republican Leader," Candelora said.

Candelora was appointed to serve on the legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Legislative Management, Judiciary and Public Health Committees. Also, Candelora will serve as the Chair of the legislature's Screening Committee, which is tasked with reviewing all legislation before it is put up for a vote in the House.

During opening day of the 2017 legislative session, Candelora introduced an amendment that would have given the House the authority to vote on contracts, awards or agreements put forth by the executive branch and state unions. The amendment failed on a 76-72 party-line vote.

Candelora put forth the legislation in an attempt to give the House a greater say in current contract negotiations.

"The reality is that our pension contracts are being underfunded and the executive branch unilaterally could make the decision to not fully fund our pensions. As it currently stands, the legislature does not get an opportunity to really scrutinize contracts and understand exactly what is in them before they are forced to vote on them. These expenses comprise a great majority of our overall budget, and every year we are struggling to balance that budget. It is important that the legislature have a greater say in that process," noted Candelora.

Candelora added, "Legislators deserve to have a greater say in the contract negotiation process, which is why I put forth this amendment. It should not be merely the executive branch and unions coming to an agreement."