These buildings belong to all of us, and I urge everyone to visit and take advantage of the terrific tours provided by the Connecticut League of Women Voters. Tours of both buildings are offered Mondays through Fridays year-round, and on Saturdays from April through October. For specific tour information, call 860-240-0222, or access the League’s tour website at www.cga.state.ct.us/capitoltours/tourinfo.htm. Self-guided tour books are available for those who prefer to discover the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building at their own pace.

At this time of year, the halls of these two government buildings are almost always alive with the voices of school children and other groups of visitors interested in the history of our state. As Hartford has a lot to offer, many spend the day and visit other attractions in the area such as the Bushnell Theater, The Wadsworth Atheneum and the Mark Twain House. However, I always advise people to leave ample time to properly explore both the State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building.

There is plenty to discover. For example, today it would cost more than $200 million to replace the majestic State Capitol which was built of New England marble and granite and crowned with a gold dome for less than $3 million in the 1870s. When it was first opened by the General Assembly in January, 1879, the State Capitol overlooking Bushnell Memorial Park replaced what then became known as the Old State House several blocks away. The Old State House opened in 1796 when Oliver Wolcott, who signed the Declaration of Independence, was governor. It is the oldest state house in the nation. Today, both the Old State House and the State Capitol are national landmarks that are open to the public.

While the State Capitol serves as a reminder of our history, the Legislative Office Building reflects modern day reality of doing the people’s business. The House of Representatives and the State Senate meet in legislative session in the State Capitol. Legislators have their offices and hold public hearings and committee meetings in the Legislative Office Building. The State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building are connected by a concourse that runs under I-84. The concourse is often the site of exhibits sponsored by various organizations from around the state. However, children are often most fascinated by the “people mover”, a moving sidewalk on which people ride part of the way through the concourse.

When you decide to visit, please let me know. If my schedule permits, I welcome the opportunity to visit with constituents and to share my perspective on the legislative process. I can be reached toll-free at my office in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421, or by e-mail at Andrew.Roraback@cga.ct.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.

Senator Andrew Roraback represents the 30th Senatorial District, which includes the communities of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Warren, Washington, Winsted and part of Torrington.