Woodbury Registrar Lisa Testifies on Rising Early Voting Costs During Appropriations Committee Hearing

In a pivotal session of the Connecticut House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, key discussions unfolded regarding the financial implications of early voting and proposed changes to state employee pension plans. The meeting, held on March 28, 2025, featured passionate testimonies from local officials and union representatives, highlighting the pressing need for financial support and the potential consequences of legislative changes.

Lisa, the Republican registrar of voters from Woodbury, opened the hearing with a heartfelt plea for funding to cover the rising costs of early voting. She detailed the staggering increase in voting hours—from 14 to 134 hours for general elections—placing an overwhelming burden on small towns like Woodbury. With a voter base of approximately 7,100, Lisa reported that her town spent over $56,000 on early voting, significantly exceeding their budget. Despite receiving some grants, a substantial financial gap remains, underscoring the unsustainable nature of these costs without state assistance. "Early voting has more than doubled the cost for elections in our town," she emphasized, urging the committee to provide necessary funding to alleviate the financial strain on municipalities.

Following Lisa's testimony, Lou Rinaldi addressed the committee, shifting focus to Senate Bill 1527, which aims to expand the Department of Consumer Protection's regulatory responsibilities. Rinaldi raised concerns about ongoing issues of fraud and corruption within the department, urging the committee to consider the findings of an ongoing audit before granting additional authority and funding. He stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, stating, "The public continues to await meaningful accountability on these matters."

The discussion then turned to Senate Bill 24, which faced strong opposition from Dan Livingston, chief negotiator for the Connecticut state employee union. He argued that the proposed changes to pension plans would undermine the trust employees place in their employer's promises. Livingston highlighted the potential negative impact on blue-collar workers, who often rely on overtime for their retirement benefits. "Removing overtime from pensions leaves managers and white-collar workers alone, but cuts retirement benefits for snowplow drivers and nurses," he stated, emphasizing the need for fairness across all employee demographics.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members listened intently, acknowledging the complexities of the issues at hand. The testimonies underscored a critical moment for Connecticut, as lawmakers grapple with balancing budgetary constraints against the need to support local governments and protect the rights of state employees. The outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for the state's electoral processes and the livelihoods of its public servants.