Senator Dan Debicella (R-21) recently
hosted an open forum at Masuk High School students for
students in history and political science classes. He
took over two dozen questions from students on issues
ranging from the economy to tolls on state roads to embryonic
stem cell research.
“I was extremely impressed by the questions these
students asked and the topics they wanted to address.
It is obvious that these students care about the world
around them. It was a pleasure visiting with them, and
I look forward to hearing about their success in the
years ahead,” said Senator Debicella.
Approximately 200 students, mostly juniors and seniors,
attended the March 18th forum held in Masuk High School’s
auditorium. Senator Debicella thanked Ian Lowell, head
of Masuk High School’s history department who
introduced him, and opened the forum by discussing his
personal experiences on how he got involved in politics
and the major issues the state is facing—including
closing the state’s $6 billion deficit and creating
more middle class jobs in Connecticut.
“And then they put me on the hot seat asking
questions on a wide variety of topics and issues. These
students think. They are not content to just take what
they hear or read at face value, so they took advantage
of this opportunity to have a conversation about the
things they care about,” said Senator Debicella.
Julia Herrick and John Asija asked whether the economy
will get worse before it improves, and what we could
do to prevent a future recession. Debicella said that
while many of the problems were national in scope, “we
can do much in Connecticut to prepare to create jobs
when we come out of the recession.” Debicella
spoke about the law he authored to provide tax credits
to companies who create ten or more jobs. He has proposed
this year to expand that to any company that creates
any job.
Andrew Snead is very interested in the possibility
of using EZ Pass in Connecticut as a way to control
traffic congestion, and asked about current legislation
dealing with reestablishing tolls in the state. Debicella
said he opposed tolls. “Tolls cost $0.50 to build
and operate for every dollar they bring in,” said
Debicella, “Not only can they slow down traffic,
but they are an inefficient way to raise money.”
Ian D'Elia asked Debicella about embryonic stem cell
research. Debicella said he supported stem cell research,
“to help find cures to genetic diseases like Parkinson’s
and some types of cancer.” Debicella noted Connecticut
had established a $50 million fund for stem cell research,
and UCONN and Yale were a national leaders in this research.
Tommy Kinard wanted to discuss the controversy regarding
proposed legislation that would have required Connecticut’s
Roman Catholic parishes to change their administrative
and financial operations. “I strongly oppose any
attempt to break the constitutional barrier between
church and state,” said Debicella. “Politicians
in Hartford should tell religions how they should govern
themselves.”
Students also brought up issues directly related to
their everyday lives. Rachel Doery wanted to discuss
the state’s new teen driving law, which Debicella
co-sponsored. The law increases the amount of driving
time teens need before getting their licenses, and requires
their parents to attend a class as well. Debicella related
a story of an accident he was in when he was sixteen.
“Fortunately, no one was hurt. But I caused the
accident because I was not paying enough attention to
the road,” said Debicella.’ “With
more training time behind the wheel, I might have avoided
that accident. If the new law prevents more accidents,
it is worth the extra time it takes to get a license.”
“These students were tougher than the Hartford
press corps,” joked Senator Debicella after the
session. “But listening to their questions and
discussion had to come away with the sense that Masuk
High School students are ready to become ideal voting
citizens—engaged and intelligent. Their families
and teachers must be proud of them.”
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