Fazio has made false statements about Kasser
Though state Senator Alex Kasser’s opponent claims he’s running a campaign “on the issues,” he restates and reiterates countless false and misleading statements and personal attacks against Kasser that are promoted and funded by the Connecticut GOP. We recognize what this is — a campaign of disinformation — and we will not tolerate it in Connecticut. Let’s look at some of the issues.
Any suggestion that Alex supported forced school regionalization is a lie. She was one of the major opponents to this policy from the moment it was introduced. As a member of the majority party in Hartford, she had a strong voice in halting this legislation that would negatively impact her constituents. If she’d been in the minority party, Democrats would not have listened to her opposition and may have proceeded with a regionalization policy. Alex stood up to the leaders of her party on this issue, and won.
Ryan Fazio, like President Donald Trump, is using fear-mongering and disinformation to mislead voters. There is nothing “radical” about the police bill passed in July. In addition to providing additional body cameras and training, it dissuades people from calling the police solely on the basis of personal bias. Giving all officers the training and tools they need to diffuse situations and avoid violence helps police officers stay safer too. And preventing unnecessary calls to the police allows them to focus their time and energy protecting our communities. Alex communicated with the police departments in this district about the bill before its passage and she remains committed to amending it if needed to ensure everyone’s safety. As she does for all issues, Alex welcomes constructive feedback and dialogue. Fazio claims there’s been an “uptick in violence” since the passing of the bill, but his claims are blatant attempts at fear-mongering. The incidents he cites occurred before the bill even went into effect.
Though Fazio attacks Kasser for raising our taxes, she has done precisely the opposite. Kasser never voted to raise our taxes and introduced various bills to lower taxes. She introduced a bill to eliminate estate and gift taxes in Connecticut and is moving her party leaders toward that goal. She also introduced and passed SB72, the first law to give Connecticut companies a tax credit for paying down their employees’ student debt. She also supported the elimination of the Business Entity Tax to help small businesses and fought for the tax break to seniors that also went into effect in 2019.
The only bill the Republicans point to as a “tax increase” is SB1, Paid Family Medical Leave. But once again their claims are false and misleading. The law is not a tax increase on Connecticut residents or businesses. It is a .05 percent payroll tax on some workers, who will then be eligible to continue receiving paychecks when they need to take family leave. Passing that law was the No. 1 priority of AARP, women’s groups and many groups that represent middleclass working families. Because this law ensures that hard-working men and women will no longer have to choose between caring for a family member and losing their job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paid Family Medical Leave has provided much-needed financial stability for thousands of people, especially our most vulnerable. Fazio has written that he would repeal the law.
If you want to be informed with real facts about Alex Kasser’s record of serving our community and her voting record, this information is publicly available on her website Alex4CT.com and on the Connecticut Government website cga.ct.gov. Do not allow Fazio’s campaign of disinformation to mislead you. While you may not agree with all of Alex’s policies, we should all admire her transparency and integrity, especially in a treacherous political and economic environment.
Why does the state Republican Party stoop so low in their attempts to discredit Alex Kasser? Because she’s been extremely effective, fiscally responsible and stood up to both parties, just as she said she’d do. When Republicans can’t attack her record with facts, they resort to this. But Alex is a force with which to be reckoned.
Toddy Turrentine is a New Canaan resident.