Honorable David J. Cappiello – Member, Connecticut State Senate

Representing Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield and Sherman

David J. Cappiello is now in his fifth term as State Senator representing the 24th District towns of Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield, and Sherman.  First elected in 1994 to the Connecticut House of Representatives from Danbury’s 138th District, Senator Cappiello served two terms before being elected to the State Senate in 1998.

He was named Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate for the 2007-08 legislative sessions.  Known for fiscal responsibility, Senator Cappiello is a staunch advocate of protecting the state’s Constitutional Spending Cap.  As the Ranking Member of the legislature’s budget writing Appropriations Committee, he has worked feverishly to make sure the state does not spend beyond its means while keeping taxes affordable for all of Connecticut’s taxpayers.

Additionally, Sen. Cappiello serves as lead Republican on the Legislative and Collective-Bargaining subcomittees.  Senator Cappiello also serves as the lead Republican Senator of the Legislature’s Internship Committee.  The Senator is also a member of the Judiciary Committee as well as the Program Review and Investigations Committee.

Senator Cappiello has established and maintained an exemplary record of passing effective, far-reaching legislation.  He served as a key member of a working group for managed care reforms that developed legislation in 1999 which led to the creation of a managed care ombudsman and expanded coverage for certain diseases.  In addition, he played a significant role in the Senate Republican effort in 2001 to expand ConnPACE, the state’s prescription drug program for the elderly and disabled.  An advocate of protecting the public’s safety, Cappiello recently made news when he called for an evaluation of Connecticut’s Emergency Management system.  The study, to be commenced by the Office of Program Review under his directive will provide a complete overview of all of Connecticut’s Homeland Security Agencies. The purpose is to make sure all of the state’s public safety organizations have the necessary tools available, as well as the proper chain of command in place to help protect the public and make Homeland Security in Connecticut stronger and more efficient.

In wake of the April 2007 rain storm that wreaked havoc across the northeast and caused millions of dollars worth of damage to communities throughout the state, Cappiello has advocated funding Connecticut’s bankrupt Emergency Relief Account.  A fully funded Relief Account would provide grants to heavily damaged municipalities and communities where the public health and welfare of residents of those towns would be threatened.It is his belief that protecting our communities is the number one responsibility of government and because of that, emergency state funding should be available to assist local communities with the cleanup.

Senator Cappiello has been recognized by a number of organizations for his legislative accomplishments.  He was nominated for the Danbury Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and served as the Education Chairman for the United Way in 1998.  The March of Dimes has honored him for his longtime dedication to legislation improving the health of newborns.  In June 2002, a bill he drafted, An Act Requiring The Screening of Newborns For Metabolic Diseases, was signed into law.  This new legislation expands newborn screening to include testing for L-CHAD and the disorder known as M-CAD, along with other amino acid disorders, organic acid disorders and fatty acid oxidation disorders.  Most recently he was recognized by AARP of Connecticut in December 2006.  Senator Cappiello was honored for his influential role in securing $5 million in the state budget in order to preserve prescription drug benefits for Connecticut ConnPACE and Medicaid-Medicare recipients.  He was also praised for his help in securing funds to implement the Kinship Navigator program which expands access to resources and information for grandparents raising their grandchildren.    

On a local level, The American Red Cross of Western Connecticut honored Senator Cappiello in 2001 for his outstanding supportive efforts towards Disaster Relief Services post 9/11.  The Senator was also a recipient of the WeCAHR 2003 Public Service Award, for his ongoing service and support of children and adults with mental retardation.  The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut has recognized him for his supportive role in upholding their mission of building strong kids, families and communities.

More recently, Senator Cappiello played a key legislative role in a critical battle with the state of Connecticut’s Office of Healthcare Access (OHCA) in successfully obtaining Danbury Hospital’s approval to provide Greater Danbury Area residents with direct access to Cardiac Care.  Both the American Heart and Lung Associations have awarded Senator Cappiello for his commitment and dedication to a healthier Connecticut.   The Connecticut Association of Non-Profits and Connecticut Community Providers have also honored the Senator for his steadfast commitment and service to the nonprofit sector of Connecticut. 

Outside of his work at the State Capitol, he remains an active member of many local civic and community organizations including the Lebanon-American Club, the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge, the Portuguese Cultural Center, the Danbury Lions Club, Danbury Land Trust, American Red Cross of Western Connecticut and St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church.

Born August 15, 1968, in Danbury, he attended Western Connecticut State University and began his legislative career as an intern at the State Capitol.  He then worked for the Connecticut House Republican Office for two and one half years before running for elected office. 

Senator Cappiello is currently a mortgage loan officer for Flagstar Bank, Danbury Connecticut.  He was married to Christine Ciarleglio on June 28, 2002.  The Senator and his wife are parents of two sons, Jack Reagan and Jude Francis Cappiello.  The family resides in Danbury.