HARTFORD – State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21st) has been named the next Senate Republican Leader by the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus. Sen. Kelly has named State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th) to serve as his deputy, taking the title of Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore.
Sen. Kelly was chosen by his fellow caucus members to serve as the next caucus leader following the retirement of Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) who has served as leader since 2014.
Kelly said of Senator Formica that he, “… is one of the hardest working and most caring lawmakers I have ever met.”
He added, “Paul is a consensus builder and a budget expert, who was instrumental in crafting the historic bipartisan budget of 2017 that implemented smart financial policies Republicans have long advocated for including a spending cap, bonding caps and a volatility cap.”
Kelly continued, “Those successes are the reason why our state has a record-breaking rainy day fund today and has enable our state to start contributing more to paying down on our state’s unfunded pension liabilities. Paul Formica’s expertise on the budget, experience as a small business owner and job creator, as well as his ability to bring people together will make him an exceptional partner in leading our caucus during these difficult times.”
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to help lead our caucus as deputy leader,” said Sen. Formica. “Connecticut is the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world. But there is so more that must be done to help all people in our state achieve the American Dream. I look forward to helping lead our caucus and our state through these challenging times, with a focus on keeping people safe, healthy and creating opportunities for all people.”
Senator Formica represents the residents of the 20th Senatorial District, which includes Old Lyme, as well as Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, , a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford. He was first elected in 2015 and prior to that served as the First Selectman of East Lyme from 2007-2015.
He has also been the owner and operator of Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant for over 35 years.
Senator Formica currently serves as Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Technology Committee. He is a founder of the bipartisan Tourism Caucus and co-chairs the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Legislative Caucus. A resident of East Lyme, he is the father of four adult children — three daughters and one son.
Sen. Kelly said, “I am incredibly honored to be named the next leader of the Senate Republican Caucus,” said “Our caucus is made up of hard-working individuals who love our state and are ready to fight for it.”
He continued, “We must lead our state through the unprecedented challenges of pandemic recovery by simultaneously focusing on job growth and protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19: our elderly population and minority communities.”
Sen. Kelly is currently the Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, and the Committee on Children. He also serves as a member of the Regulation Review Committee.
Kelly has been an advocate for health care affordability and accessibility, supporting the needs of senior citizens, growing jobs, improving women’s health care, and advancing “Aging in Place” initiatives.
Sen. Kelly has served in the State Senate since 2011 representing Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford. He resides in Stratford with his wife Cindy. Their family includes four children and soon to be seven grandchildren.
For more information on State Senator Paul Formica visit www.senatorformica.com. Follow Sen. Formica at www.Facebook.com/
For more information on State Senator Kevin Kelly visit www.senatorkevinkelly.com. Follow Sen. Kelly at www.Facebook.com/