To the Editor:
I’m Nick Menapace, and I have the honor of representing East Lyme, Salem, and Montville in the Connecticut General Assembly. I ran for office because the government should be a force for good, helping working families thrive and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to succeed. That means making responsible, forward-thinking decisions about our state’s finances—ones that balance long-term stability with the ability to invest in our future.
Connecticut is in a stronger financial position today than it has been in years. We have built a significant budget reserve, strengthened our credit rating, and paid long-term liabilities thanks to sound fiscal management. These are not just milestones, but a testament to our collective efforts and responsible decision-making. Fiscal responsibility isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making smart investments that support families, strengthen our workforce, and grow our economy.
That’s why now is the right time to adjust Connecticut’s fiscal controls. We need the flexibility to address key priorities like education, childcare, healthcare, and infrastructure. These controls, often called ‘guardrails,’ were implemented with good intentions—to ensure stability and prevent reckless spending. But true responsibility means adapting to changing needs. Holding rigidly to these rules, even when we have the ability to invest in our communities, limits Connecticut’s potential. Let’s empower ourselves to make the necessary adjustments for a better future.
I hear from parents, educators, caregivers, and small business owners across East Lyme, Salem, and Montville who want to see Connecticut grow and improve. They know investing in high-quality public schools, making childcare more affordable, and supporting public higher education isn’t just good policy—it’s good economics. These investments create opportunities, strengthen our workforce, and make Connecticut an even better place to live and work.
Adjusting our fiscal controls doesn’t mean abandoning financial discipline—it means ensuring our financial policies reflect our values and priorities. We can maintain a healthy reserve and pay down debt while making targeted investments that will benefit our state for years. For example, increased investment in education will lead to a more skilled workforce, which in turn will attract more businesses to our communities. Other states have successfully balanced these goals, and we can too.
As your representative, I will continue to advocate for a responsible, forward-looking approach that prioritizes Connecticut families’ needs. Over the next few months, my colleagues and I will discuss how to best position our state for success. I will work tirelessly to ensure that East Lyme, Salem, and Montville have a voice in those discussions and that our budget reflects the priorities of those living here. Your needs are our top priority.
Connecticut is great for living, working, and raising a family. With thoughtful, responsible leadership, we can build on our progress and create an even stronger, more prosperous future for everyone.
State Rep. Nick Menapace
Connecticut’s 37th House District