The Connecticut General Assembly Conservative Caucus is a group of Connecticut legislators espousing a conservative political agenda.
Members
The members of the Connecticut General Assembly Conservative Caucus are:
Mike France, Chairman (R-42), who serves as the Ranking Member on the Government Administration & Elections Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, and Planning & Development Committee(s).[1]
Craig C. Fishbein, Vice Chairman (R-90), who serves on the Judiciary, Labor & Public Sector Employees, and Public Safety Committee(s).[2][3][4][5][6]
Anne Dauphinais, Secretary (R-44), who serves as the Ranking Member on the Housing Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, and the Public Safety Committee(s).[7]
David T. Wilson, Treasurer (R-66), who serves as the Ranking Member on the Aging Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, and the Environment Committee(s).[8]
Tim Ackert (R-8), who serves on the Energy, General Law, Higher Education, and Screening Committee(s).[9]
Vincent Candelora (R-86), who serves as the Chairman of the Screening Committee, and also serves on the Finance, Public Health, General Law, and Legislative Management Committee(s). Candelora is also a Deputy House Leader, and serves as the Chair of the screening committee that is tasked with reviewing all legislation before it is put up for a vote in the House.[10]
Doug Dubitsky (R-47), who serves on the Environment, Judiciary, and Planning & Development Committee(s).[11]
John P. Fusco (R-81),[12] who serves on the Aging, Commerce, and Public Safety Committee(s).[13][14]
Rick Hayes (R-51), who serves on the Children, Environment, and Public Safety Committee(s).[15]
Gale Mastrofrancesco (R-80), who serves on the Appropriations, GAE, Human Services Committee(s).[16]
John Piscopo (R-76), who serves on the Environment, Energy & Technology, Finance, Legislative Management and Screening Committee(s).[17]
Kurt Vail (R-52), who is the ranking member on the Veterans Committee, and also serves on the Insurance and Public Safety Committee(s).[18]
Causes
The caucus[19] has actively advocated against illegal immigration,[20] the re-installation of tolls on Connecticut roadways,[21] against the appointment of Andrew J. McDonald to be the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court,[22][23] as well as for reviving the death penalty.[24] For the 2019 session, their legislative agenda supports bringing back the state's death penalty, making it optional for workers to pay union dues, re-funding an agency that handles gun crimes, and removing the state's support for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would switch the election of the US President to a popular vote.[25]