Shaban Assigned to Environment, Judiciary, Finance Committees

State Representative John Shaban (R—Easton, Redding and Weston) was named as the “ranking member” of the General Assembly's Environment Committee. Shaban, an attorney, has an environmental law degree and served on the committee last term.

"I look forward to working with my fellow chairs, members and advocacy groups to promote a balanced approach to today's environmental concerns," said Shaban.

The Environment Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection — including conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, stateparks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control — and all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture. He expects that his committee will resume work on open space protection, a functional agricultural and natural resources policy, and certain types of food ingredient labeling.

Shaban was also reappointed to another two-year term on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the Judiciary Committee, where he expects to resume work on the major economic and societal challenges facing Connecticut.

“As a member of the Finance Committee, I will continue to fight against the current fiscal policies that raise taxes to pay for excessive government spending, which in turn chase away private businesses and our tax base, and result in our state finances staying in a perpetual deficit, thereby prompting some to call for more taxes. It’s simply unsustainable."

On the Judiciary Committee, Shaban expects and welcomes a broad discussion regarding gun violence, mental illness, and the continuing early release of violent criminals.

The House and Senate go into the “long session” on Jan. 9.