Together, the House of Representatives and the Senate constitute the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA). The General Assembly enacts legislation dealing with state appropriations and finance, public welfare, the environment, public works, housing, education, civil and criminal laws, and other matters. The Senate tries all impeachments of executive and judicial branch officials. In Connecticut, members of the state’s legislative body, the General Assembly, must be at least eighteen years old and reside in the district they represent. Senate and House members serve two-year terms. Candidates were asked to respond to questions developed by local Leagues of Women Voters (LWV). Candidates enter their replies directly into Vote411, and replies are not edited by the LWV.This is the link to the CGA website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/This is the link to Sample Ballots for each Town found on the Secretary of State website: https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/town-ballots
Candidate Name
Laurel LaPorte-Grimes
Campaign Website
www.laurelforsenate.com
Campaign Email
laurel@laurelforsenate.com
Campaign Phone
860-294-4825
Instagram
www.instagram.com/laurelforsenate/
Facebook
www.facebook.com/laurelforsenate/
It is in my nature to seek out ways to meet the needs of my community, and I saw a need for someone to represent the 31st District who would listen deeply, respond to community concerns, and fight for working families. At a time when federal actions threaten our rights, freedoms, and economic security, we need someone who will work to protect Connecticut from harmful cuts and policies. We need someone who understands the challenges of raising a family in this economy, of working hard and still struggling to get ahead. I want to be that voice in the State Senate, working every day to protect our communities and improve the systems that should be helping people thrive.
A senator's job is to listen across the district, understand people's challenges, and work with them to develop solutions and pass responsive legislation. Senators must collaborate with local representatives to bring resources home, ensuring tax dollars support needs municipalities cannot meet alone. I bring the experience for this role. Growing up in a working-class family taught me the importance of looking out for one another. For decades, I brought people together to address community needs, especially during the pandemic. As a program evaluator, I spend every day asking questions, listening, identifying what works, and finding ways to improve what doesn't. I'm ready to put those skills to work for the 31st District.
I don’t generally watch TV, so I’m much more likely to read or listen to the news. For local news, I rely on sources such as The Bristol Edition, Bristol Press, and Patch. For statewide news, I read the CT Mirror, particularly for its coverage of state government and public policy. I also follow elected officials and municipal government pages on Facebook to stay informed about what’s happening at the local and state levels. For national and international news, I primarily listen to CT Public Radio and NPR. When I have time, I also tune in to the BBC for a broader international perspective.
I believe affordable housing and healthcare are essential for communities to thrive, and state government has a responsibility to ensure access to both. Healthcare is a human right. I support an affordable public option, stronger insurance rate oversight, lower prescription costs, and protecting care from federal cuts. We must also expand affordable housing while helping people stay in their homes. That means collaborating with towns to expand multifamily housing options near existing infrastructure and strengthening tenant protections. I also support reducing the reliance on property taxes to fund essential services so seniors and families can afford to stay in their homes and communities.
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