FREY NAMED TO KEY LEADERSHIP POST AND COMMITTEES

HARTFORD—State House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk has appointed State Representative John H. Frey, R-Ridgefield, to several of the General Assembly’s legislative committees for the 2009-2010 session. Rep. Frey was elected to his sixth term on November 4 and subsequently re-appointed as House Minority Whip. 

Rep. Frey will continue his duties of coordinating views on issues between rank-and-file legislators and leadership of the House Republican Caucus. Also, he will be responsible for reminding minority members of important upcoming votes, flow of debate in the legislative chamber, monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the House floor. 

“John has proven himself to be an exceptionally committed legislator, both to Ridgefield and the entire state,” said Rep. Cafero. “The last two years John has shown exceptional abilities in the role of Minority Whip and that is why I am keeping him in this key position.”  

“It is an honor to receive this appointment,” said Rep. Frey. “Serving as Minority Whip for the last two years presented a number of additional opportunities to work with my colleagues on legislation and will continue to allow me to be an even stronger voice for Ridgefield in the Legislature.”  

Rep. Frey will serve on the Legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Banks Committee and the lead Republican on the Select Committee of Aging. The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee has cognizance over all matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. The committee also has cognizance over employer contributions for unemployment compensation and all matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the revenue aspects of the Division of Special Revenue. Rep. Frey is one of the longest serving members of the Finance Committee, having served on it since first elected to the legislature in 1998.

“With a projected state budget shortfall of $6 billion dollars, there will likely be numerous proposals to increase taxes brought before the Finance Committee, such as the “millionaire’s tax,” said Rep. Frey. “I’m hopeful that instead, the committee can move forward with initiatives to provide tax incentives to companies who want to stay in Connecticut and expand and create additional jobs for the community and our families.”

The Select Committee on Aging has cognizance over any legislation it deems necessary concerning senior citizens. The Banks Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to banks, savings banks, bank and trust companies, savings and loan associations, credit unions, the supervision of the sale of securities, fraternal benefit societies and all legislation dealing with secured and unsecured lending.  

“As the lead Republican on the Select Committee on Aging it will be my job to advocate for the elderly in our state. The subsequent challenge of an aging workforce and population as “baby boomers” consider retirement is to recognize what the state can do you ease the transition. I have for several years fought to end the tax on state pensions and will continue that goal.”  He added that his work expanding Ridgefield senior housing, as well as experience with Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and Meals-on-Wheels will be valuable in his new role. 

The 2009 General Assembly session begins January 7.