Former Board of Education chairman Michael D'Agostino officially became the Democratic state representative for the 91st District Wednesday when he was sworn into office during the opening day ceremony of the 2013 legislative session at the State Capitol in Hartford.
And shortly after that, he was named by House Speaker Brendan Sharkey -- also a Hamden representative -- to the Legislature’s Education, Finance Revenue and Bonding and Government Administration and Elections committees.
D'Agostino takes over the seat from the retiring Democratic Rep. Peter Villano, who held office for two decades.
“It is an honor to serve the people of Hamden. I am asking all Hamden residents to please share their thoughts and ideas with me as we begin a new legislative session,” D'Agostino said. “We all will need to work together to find balanced solutions to the many challenges our state confronts."
“Rep. D'Agostino brings a wealth of experience to the Capitol that will be very beneficial as we face the challenges ahead,” Sharkey said. "Mike's expertise in education and the law will help us both represent the people of Hamden."
The Education Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Education, local and regional boards of education and the substantive law of collective bargaining covering teachers and professional employees of such boards.
The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over all matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation.
The Government Administration and Elections Committee oversees all matters relating to state government organization, as well as amendments to the state constitution.
“The scope of these committees will allow me to best represent Hamden's needs as well as help shape the future of our state,” D'Agostino said.
