HARTFORD —  State Representative-Elect Rick Hayes (R-Putnam, Killingly, Thompson) was given his committee assignments by the House Republican leader. For his first term in office, which begins Jan. 9, he will serve on the joint Children, Environment and Public Safety & Security committees.
“The people of the 51st   District have given me an opportunity to represent their interests in Hartford, and I am eager to begin working on their behalf,” said Rep.-Elect Hayes. “The committees are the first step for any bill proposal, and I am certain the 2019 session will have much for us to consider. I think my experience in law enforcement will help me add value in these discussions, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to confront our state’s most urgent matters, namely our deteriorating economy, the alarming number of opioid-related fatalities, education and school safety, and our outdated transportation infrastructure. It’s a tall order to fill, but I am not one to shy away from a challenge. I thank Rep. Klarides for these appointments and my constituents for placing their trust in me.”
“Committee work is the engine of our legislative process—it’s when citizens can have their say on issues important to them, and it’s when legislators like Rick Hayes make the most difference for the people they serve as bill concepts take shape and are eventually debated,” House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said. “I’m confident that Rick will contribute greatly to conversation here in Hartford during the upcoming legislative session.”
Prior to exploring elected office, Rep.-Elect Hayes devoted his career to the Town of Putnam for 33 years as a member of the Police Department, most recently as its chief. Currently, Hayes serves the Town of Thompson as its fire marshal and holds a position on the Putnam Board of Selectmen. He is a past president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, and has served on many boards of directors throughout the community.
The General Assembly will convene in early January for a five-month session ending at midnight on June 5. In odd-numbered years, legislators vote on a biennial state budget, which they must pass before they adjourn.

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