GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers announced Monday she will seek reelection to a fifth term representing the 18th district, which includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown.

“It is an immense honor to represent the hardworking people of the 18th district, deliver results that strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and challenge the status quo in Hartford to hold our state government accountable to all its citizens,” Somers said. “I look forward to building on a demonstrated track record of fighting with an independent and effective voice to improve the lives of all the residents in the district. I will continue to push to reduce Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, support the growth and competitiveness of small businesses, promote greater access to affordable quality health care, advocate for strong schools that uphold the rights of parents and prepare students for success, be creative in housing solutions, further develop our workforce pipeline, support our police and safe communities, and expose mismanagement and corruption at all levels of government.”

“Representation matters,” Somers continued. “From Mystic to Moosup, from Pawcatuck to Jewett City, from the Stonington Borough to Sterling, from Groton City to Voluntown, and across every 18th district community, I’m honored to fight for our amazing corner of Connecticut and deliver results.”

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the confidence voters in the 18th district have placed in me to represent them in Hartford, and I look forward to once again earning that trust in 2024,” Somers concluded.

In Hartford, Somers serves as a tireless and effective advocate for eastern Connecticut. Somers has a successful track record of passing legislation that includes reducing the income tax and tax burden on seniors and small businesses, tackling the mental health crisis with innovative solutions, prioritizing women’s health, supporting police and first responders, protecting the environment, securing funding for education, upholding the rights of parents, combating the opioid epidemic, protecting women from sexual harassment and domestic violence, and boosting eastern Connecticut’s tourism, local assets, military presence, and employers. She has also been a fierce advocate for children’s mental health.

Somers has also led the fight to hold Hartford and state government accountable to taxpayers and the public. Somers exposed the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP) for callously disregarding the concerns of victims, their families, and the interests of public safety by dramatically increasing the number of commutations, including for violent criminals — and Somers continues to lead the charge to reform the parole board and system to protect our communities. Somers’ advocacy on behalf of victims’ families helped lead to the governor replacing the chair of the BOPP.

Somers previously helped lead the charge to expose mismanagement at the Connecticut Port Authority, demanding a public hearing to hold those in charge accountable. Somers introduced legislation to ensure the state’s Contracting Standards Board be fully funded and moved to the State Auditor’s office to enable them to continue to review contracts sought by the Port Authority along with other no-bid contracts. Somers previously helped expose abuse and mismanagement at the state-run Whiting Forensic Hospital leading to reform and hold CMEEC, a quasi-public energy cooperative, accountable for misuse of ratepayer resources, leading to arrests and jailtime for perpetrators.

Somers was first elected to the State Senate representing the 18th district in November 2016. She has served as the chief deputy Republican leader, both chair and co-chair of the Public Health Committee, vice chair of the Education Committee, vice chair of the Environment Committee, ranking member of the Transportation Committee, member of the Planning and Development Committee, member of Appropriations Committee, ranking member of Appointments and Nominations, member of the Commerce Committee, and in numerous caucuses. Somers also serves as co-chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus and Mental Health Caucus.

Before serving in the State Senate, Somers served as a town councilor in Groton and as mayor of the Town of Groton. Somers was a co-founder of a biotech company and has three children, two dogs, two cats, seven chickens, and currently resides in Mystic.

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Heather Somers Endorsed by Connecticut State Building Trades Council
Organization Representing Skilled Construction Workers Rallies Behind Somers and Her Record of Results for Hardworking Families

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced Monday her campaign for reelection was endorsed by the Connecticut State Building Trades Council.

“I am incredibly honored to have the support of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council that represents more than 30,000 hardworking people in our state,” Somers said. “I am proud of my record of results fighting to protect and expand workforce training programs, ensure we support our trades and enact pro-growth policies that create opportunities in our communities.”

“On behalf of the over 30,000 hardworking men and women of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council, it is my privilege to inform you that the CSBTC has endorsed your campaign of the General Assembly,” said Connecticut State Building Trades Council President Keith R. Brothers in a letter to Somers on the endorsement. “Our members will be working hard to get you elected and we hope the support leads you to victory.”

In addition to the Connecticut State Building Trades Council, Somers has been endorsed for reelection in 2022 by Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut and the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police. For her record of independent-minded and results-driven leadership, Somers has also earned the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut and will appear on that party’s line on the ballot — in addition to the Republican Party line. Somers has also earned a perfect 100 percent rating from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) for championing pro-growth policies to create jobs and support small businesses.

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Heather Somers Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut
Somers Recognized for Unwavering Commitment to Improving Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care for Women

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced Friday her campaign for reelection was endorsed by Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut. Somers is the only Republican candidate to have earned the organization’s endorsement for the 2022 General Election.

“I am honored to be recognized for my record of independent-minded leadership that puts results for eastern Connecticut women, families, small businesses and communities before politics as usual — including leading the fight to safeguard and strengthen access to affordable, quality health care for women,” Somers said. “Working across party lines, I’ve helped pass solutions to add pregnancy as a qualifying event for insurance coverage, expand access to life-saving breast cancer screenings. protect victims of sexual harassment and safeguard vital health care services for women.”

“If reelected, I will continue to be a champion for women in the workplace and the sciences and a fierce defender of access to affordable, reliable health care for all women,” Somers added.

“We are proud that Connecticut has maintained its strong historic record of support for reproductive health and rights,” Danielle Eason, Chair of Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, said in a letter to Somers announcing the endorsement. “…As a legislator you are willing to stand up for our existing state policies and to advocate for improving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people.”

In addition to Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Somers has been endorsed for reelection by the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police and earned a perfect 100 percent rating from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) for championing pro-growth policies to create jobs and support small businesses. For her record of independent-minded and results-driven leadership, Somers has also earned the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut and will appear on that party’s line on the ballot — in addition to the Republican Party line.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2022

Heather Somers Endorsed by Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police
Somers a Longstanding Champion for Law Enforcement, First Responders and Safe Communities

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced Thursday her campaign for reelection was endorsed by the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to once again have the support of the Connecticut chapter of the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and look forward to continuing to stand for our police, first responders and safe communities,” Somers said. “I have always fought to be a champion for the men and women who serve to keep us safe, including successfully passing solutions to ensure first responders with PTSD get access to the care and treatment they deserve, advancing landmark reforms to combat opioid addiction in our communities and standing against misguided and dangerous proposals aimed at weakening law enforcement.”

“It is with great honor that the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police announces that it has endorsed you for this upcoming election,” Det. Sgt. John Krupinsky, president of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police, said in a letter to Somers. “There is no doubt that you will put the best interests of Law Enforcement and your constituents first. Connecticut Law Enforcement has suffered the last year with the police accountability bill. I believe you are the best candidate to move the safety and security of this state forward.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2022

Somers Reelection Campaign Qualifies for Citizens Election Program
Campaign Prepared to Highlight Record of Delivering Results and Challenging the Status Quo

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced Friday her campaign has reached the qualifying threshold to participate in the Citizens Election Program (CEP) for the 2022 election.

“The skyrocketing cost of living has become nearly impossible to bear for too many hardworking families in eastern Connecticut who face rising prices on everything from gas to groceries,” Somers said. “At the same time, our state’s out-of-control energy costs and punitive business and tax climate are hitting our small businesses with enormous challenges. I am laser focused on delivering results for our communities that provide direct relief from these challenges and foster greater economic opportunity for all by upending the broken status quo.”

“I’m thankful and humbled by the hundreds of supporters who have rallied behind my campaign and helped ensure we’ll have the resources needed to share my record and vision with the voters,” Somers continued. “I look forward to building on my track record of results and fighting with an independent and balanced voice for a stronger, more prosperous Connecticut.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday March 29, 2022

Heather Somers Announces 2022 Re-Election Bid for State Senate

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers announced Tuesday she will seek re-election to a fourth term representing the 18th district, which includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown.

“It is an incredible honor to represent the hardworking families of the 18th district and I look forward to building on my demonstrated track record of delivering results for our region, challenging the status quo by holding Hartford accountable and fighting with an independent voice for a stronger, more prosperous Connecticut for all families.”

“Eastern Connecticut families and small businesses face enormous challenges with historic inflation, sky-rocketing gas prices, perennial tax increases and an anti-business attitude emanating from one-party control in Hartford. That is why I am proud of my work to cut through the noise and advance solutions to deliver tax relief, protect parents’ rights, lower health care costs, support small businesses, keep communities safe and hold Hartford and quasi-public agencies accountable to the taxpayers and consumers.”

“In the current legislative session, I am leading the mission for a comprehensive approach to address the mental health needs of our citizens, with a detailed focus on children, while continuing to work with superintendents to keep schools open and ensure we have the resources required to maintain local control of decisions that impact our students — including protecting the critical rights of parents.”

“If given the honor of serving the 18th district for another term, I look forward to continuing to deliver results and strengthen eastern Connecticut communities and build on my record of helping all families, protecting the environment, providing opportunities for future generations and ensuring those who are most vulnerable are protected.”

In Hartford, Somers serves as a tireless and effective advocate for eastern Connecticut. Somers has a successful track record of passing legislation that includes repealing taxes on retirement income and diesel fuel, protecting the environment, preventing damaging cuts to education, combating the opioid epidemic, prioritizing women’s health, protecting women from sexual harassment and domestic violence, providing care for first responders with PTSD and more.

Somers has also developed a reputation for being an independent thinker and for holding Hartford and quasi-public agencies accountable. Somers helped lead the charge to expose the mismanagement at the Connecticut Port Authority, demanding a public hearing to hold those in charge accountable. This year, amongst other bills, Somers introduced legislation to ensure the state’s Contracting Board be fully funded and moved to the State Auditor office to enable them to continue to be able to review contracts sought by the Port Authority along with other no bid contracts.

Somers was first elected to the State Senate representing the 18th district in November 2016. She has served as the Chair of the Committee on Public Health, Vice Chair of Education, Vice Chair of Environment, Ranking Member of Transportation, member of the Planning and Development Committee, member of Appropriations Committee, member of the Commerce Committee and on numerous caucuses. Somers was recently named Chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus.

Before serving in the State Senate, Somers served as a town councilor in Groton and as the Mayor of the Town of Groton. Somers was a co-founder of a biotech company that continues to expand and supports over 100 jobs in eastern Connecticut. Somers resides in Mystic with her husband Mark. She has three children: Hayley, Ian, and Grace.

A campaign kick-off for Somers’s reelection will be held on April 3, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Firefly Equestrian Center at Deans Mills Farm in Stonington.

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The Day: Democrats’ Proposed Pandemic Tax Hikes Show What’s Wrong with Connecticut
Sen. Heather Somers
January 29, 2021

I first decided to run for local office because I saw first-hand the punitive nature of the property tax in Connecticut. I saw my friends’ parents, people who had given their entire lives to our communities, being forced out of their homes. Community members that have paid taxes for years, coached our Little League teams, volunteered for our schools and charities forced to sell their lifetime homes because of unrealized increases in property value and an out-of-control tax climate in our state.

For the most vulnerable among us, particularly seniors living on a fixed income, the property tax is a burden that too often reduces quality of life, forces people from their homes or, for those with the means to leave, forces people to leave Connecticut.

When I served as a member of the town council and as the mayor in Groton, I fought for fiscal responsibility and we delivered two tax decreases. But I found that to truly change the trajectory of our state, I needed to step-up and take on the power brokers in Hartford.

While the tax-hiking, job-crushing agenda of Democratic insiders in Hartford has been hidden in plain sight for some time, their latest proposal is a case study in everything that’s wrong with Connecticut and the mentality of those who wield one-party rule.

This week, Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, who leads the 24-member Democratic majority, proposed two laws that will tax a majority of homeowners and businesses and further punish those who make a living and hope to retire in Connecticut.

The Democratic leader’s plan would establish a new statewide property tax on residential and commercial property — in the middle of a pandemic. Not content to stay within their usual bounds of indirectly contributing to rising property taxes by passing unfunded mandates and budget cuts onto municipalities, now Democrats want to just hike your property taxes with no intermediary step.

But this plan doesn’t stop there. The leading Democrat in the General Assembly wants to also increase taxes on capital gains. This wouldn’t only apply to the investments of the wealthy, but would hit hardworking Connecticut taxpayers who save toward their retirement with a 401-K or other investments in stocks and bonds.

According to Looney, taxpayers have experienced a “windfall” over the last 10 months — never mind many of these taxpayers have faced lost income, increased costs and unemployment amid the unprecedented economic challenges of the last year.

The Democrat justification for these proposed taxes goes like this: some cities and towns are generating less revenue than they need – so let’s raise the property taxes on everyone and squeeze anyone with investments. Then we can hand out the money however we deem worthy from under Hartford’s Gold Dome.

Democrats say these taxes are on “high-value homes” and “high-wage earners” but the tax falls on approximately 75% of homeowners. The additional one-percent capital gains tax will be added to the current 5% rate, no matter what your economic station. For business owners in the cities, this plan adds ridiculous insult to injury since they are already subject to some of the highest property taxes in the state to pay for often incompetent, and at times corrupt, political leadership.

Democrats didn’t complain when they found out that Wall Street winnings would give them just enough short-term budget flexibility to kick the can of financial responsibility further down the road. For those interested in taking more of your money and making no hard choices, what better way than to reap return on investment while taxing hardworking people out of theirs?

Since March 2020, Connecticut has lost 18,000 businesses, lost thousands more jobs, lost months of learning for school children and experienced an epidemic of social and emotional damage from isolation, depression and suicide. But rather than keep an intense focus on defeating this challenge and lifting up every Connecticut resident and small business, Democrats are eyeing an opportunity to hike taxes based on divisive and dishonest class warfare rhetoric. They see an opening to take more of what’s yours to decide how it should be used, regardless of how their policies effect your life, your retirement or your business.

This exposes the mentality that lies at the heart of everything wrong in our state’s political system. Democrats control every branch of state government and every federal office. These Democratic leaders should condemn the Looney plan. Those who won’t either support it or lack the courage to stand up for the citizens of Connecticut.

Heather Somers represents the 18th District, consisting of Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown. She is a Republican.