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'''Daniel Charles Debicella''' (born October 24, 1974) is a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[politician]] and [[businessman]] currently representing the 21st district in the [[Connecticut Senate|Connecticut State Senate]].
'''Daniel Charles "Dan" Debicella''' (born October 24, 1974) is a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[politician]] and [[businessman]] currently representing the 21st district in the [[Connecticut Senate|Connecticut State Senate]].


==Personal life and background==
==Personal life and background==
Line 34: Line 34:


==State Senator==
==State Senator==
Debicella was first elected to the Connecticut State Senate in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2008. He succeeded [[George Gunther|George "Doc" Gunther]], the longest-serving state legislator in Connecticut history, after working as his campaign manager for several elections.<ref>http://debicella.com/bio.html</ref>
Debicella was first elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2008. He succeeded [[George Gunther|George "Doc" Gunther]], the longest-serving state legislator in Connecticut history, after working as his campaign manager for several elections.<ref>http://debicella.com/bio.html</ref>


In the State Senate, Debicella holds the position of Deputy Minority Leader and sits on the Appropriations (ranking member), Higher Education (ranking member), Public Health (ranking member), and Regulations Review committees.<ref>http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=68394</ref>
In the State Senate, Debicella holds the position of Deputy Minority Leader and sits on the Appropriations (ranking member), Higher Education (ranking member), Public Health (ranking member), and Regulations Review committees.<ref>http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=68394</ref>


===Fiscal policy===
==Accomplishments==
In 2007, Debicella co-authored a bill that provides tax credits for businesses that create at least 10 new jobs in a year. The bill was passed unanimously and signed into law by [[Governor]] [[M. Jodi Rell|Jodi Rell]].<ref>http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2007/061507.html</ref> In committee, Debicella [[filibuster|filibustered]] a controversial bill that would have allowed children of illegal immigrants who graduated from a Connecticut high school to apply for in-state tuition. The bill eventually passed through the [[Connecticut General Assembly|General Assembly]] but was ultimately vetoed by Rell.<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/06/26/rell_vetoes_in_state_tuition_rates_for_illegal_immigrant_kids/</ref>
⚫
Debicella generally opposes new taxes, tax increases, new government programs, and expansions of existing programs. In 2009, Debicella is focusing on eliminating Connecticut’s budget deficit without tax increases by reducing spending through changing how the state provides social services.<ref>http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17999:debicella-lands-appropriations-seat&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517</ref> He has voiced strong opposition to a Democratic proposal to increase taxes by over $3.3 billion.<ref>http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24706:democrat-republicans-oppose-budget-proposal&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=1786</ref> Instead, he joined other legislative Republicans in proposing a budget that cut spending to close the budget deficit.<ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12156841?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com</ref>


In 2008, in response to [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] plans for a waste deposit in Stratford, Debicella co-sponsored a bill that prohibited the depositing of more than 1,000 cubic yards of [[asbestos]]-laden soil near residential areas without approval from two-thirds of the municipality's legislative body.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19677567&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8</ref> He also proposed legislation that would have allowed individuals and families who receive a physical exam and all age-appropriate preventive tests to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state income tax, which did not pass through committee.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19393688&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8</ref> Debicella co-sponsored a bill that expanded Operation Fuel, a program that provides a $500 credit for Connecticut [[Senior citizen|seniors]] 65 or older whose income is at or below the state median, to assist with their home heating costs.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20204740&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9166&rfi=6</ref> Debicella also secured $2 million in bonding for downtown Shelton revitalization, which cumulated with a visit to Shelton by Governor Rell announcing the funding.
===Business regulations===
Debicella was endorsed in the 2008 election by the [[Connecticut Business & Industry Association]], indicating a voting record that favors businesses.<ref>http://www.cbia.com/newsroom/pastreleases/2008%20Releases/2008%20endorsements/21-%20Debicella,%20Dan.pdf</ref> He joined other Republicans in opposing bills requiring business to provide paid sick leave to their employees,<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=601&which_year=2007</ref> as well as a bill extending benefits for workers injured on the job.<ref>http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30926953_ITM</ref> Debicella opposed a bill proposed by leading Senate Republicans that called for a ban of [[trans fat]] in Connecticut restaurants,<ref><http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30748813_ITM></ref> The Connecticut [[AFL-CIO]] gave him a 29% rating on their 2008 scorecard, indicating a record generally opposed to the interests of labor unions.<ref>http://www.ctaflcio.org/2008%20political%20conv/2007-2008%20Scorecard.pdf</ref> Debicella has repeatedly voted against raising the minimum wage.<sup>[citation needed]</sup>


In 2009, Debicella is focusing on eliminating Connecticut’s budget deficit without tax increases by reducing spending through changing how the state provides social services.<ref>http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17999:debicella-lands-appropriations-seat&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517</ref> Debicella has also reintroduced his proposed for tax credits to those who obtain all prescribed preventative tests.<ref>http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/01/health_care_ref_1.php</ref>
Debicella co-authored a bill that provides tax credits for businesses that create at least 10 new jobs in a year. The bill was passed unanimously and signed into law by Governor [[M. Jodi Rell|Jodi Rell]].<ref>http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2007/061507.html</ref> Debicella also co-sponsored a bill to make it more difficult to take property by eminent domain for commercial development.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=167&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=6&SUBMIT1.y=12</ref> Debicella was named a "Guardian of Small Business" by the [[National Federation of Independent Businesses]].<ref>http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2009/032709.html</ref>


Debicella received the "Guardian of Small Business" award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses in March 2009 for his work in supporting pro-small business legislation. <ref>http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2009/032709.html </ref>
===Health care===
Debicella generally opposes health care mandates and votes in favor of the insurance industry. He has voted against mandating insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children,<ref>http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_lpa.asp?cmd=getdoc&DocId=34777&Index=I%3a\zindex\2007</ref> but in favor of requiring coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment.<ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12378669</ref> He voted against allowing municipal, small business, and nonprofit employees to join the state employees' healthcare pool and expanding Connecticut's HUSKY health plan to cover more children.
<ref>http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2009/05/senate-approves-controversial.html</ref> Debicella has proposed a bill that would allow individuals and families who receive a physical exam and all age-appropriate preventive tests to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state income tax.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19393688&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8</ref>


==Voting Record==
===Reproductive rights===
⚫
Debicella is pro-choice<sup>[citation needed]</sup> but was one of three State Senators to vote against requiring health care facilities to provide [[emergency contraception]] to victims of [[sexual assault]]. While defending this vote during the 2008 campaign, Debicella stated, "On the rape bill all I voted against was a bill allowing morning-after contraception to be issued to victims."<ref>http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_10838303</ref> This comment was heavily criticized by Democrats, including his opponent, Janice Andersen, who called it "insensitive to rape victims." Debicella defended his position by explaining that he supports access to emergency contraception but opposes forcing Catholic hospitals, who would have been affected by the bill, to go against their religious beliefs.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12697:debicella-defends-record-called-insensitive-to-rape-victims&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517 | title=Andersen calls Debicella 'insensitive to rape victims' | first=John | last=Kovach | date=2008-10-31 | accessdate=2008-11-19 | publisher=''[[Stratford Star]]''}}</ref>


===LGBT issues===
===Economic Issues===
⚫
Debicella voted in favor of a bill codifying the [[Connecticut Supreme Court]]'s recognition of [[Gay marriage|same-sex marriages]], but only after including protections for religious institutions and organizations. He also introduced amendments requiring schools to notify parents when marriage and sexuality were being discussed in schools, and allowing parents to remove their children from such discussions, neither of which passed.<ref>http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-same-sex-marriage-0423.artapr23,0,3521923.story</ref><ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-0899</ref> He was endorsed in the 2008 election by the [[Family Institute of Connecticut]], an anti-gay marriage outfit that advocated strongly for the amendments to the bill.<ref>http://www.ctfamily.org/2008_Endorsements.pdf</ref> Debicella was one of four State Senators to oppose prohibiting [[discrimination]] based on [[gender identity]].<ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13795&can_id=68394</ref>


⚫
Debicella’s voting record has reflected a bias for smaller government, free-market policies, and decentralization of government power to the local level. In 2007, Debicella joined the majority of Senators in voting for a budget that did not raise taxes, was under the constitutional spending cap, and increased education funding by 10-20% to all towns. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=8003&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=9&SUBMIT1.y=2</ref> In 2009, Debicella came out strongly against a Democratic proposal to increase taxes by over $3.3 billion. <ref>http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24706:democrat-republicans-oppose-budget-proposal&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=1786</ref> Instead, he joined other legislative Republicans in proposing a budget that cut spending to close the budget deficit. <ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12156841?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com</ref>
===The environment===
During his first term in the State Senate, Debicella served on the Environment committee. He co-sponsored a bill that prohibited individuals and government agencies from depositing more than 1,000 cubic yards of [[asbestos]]-laden soil near residential areas without approval from two-thirds of the municipality's legislative body. The bill curtailed plans the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] had for waste deposit in Stratford.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19677567&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8</ref> The Connecticut [[League of Conservation Voters]] gave Debicella a 58% rating on their 2008 scorecard, the lowest in the body.<ref>http://www.ctlcv.org/Scorecards/2008%20Scorecard.pdf</ref>


Debicella generally has a “pro-business” voting record. He joined other Republicans in opposing bills mandating paid sick leave on small businesses and increasing the minimum wage. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=601&which_year=2007</ref > Debicella also co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to make it more difficult to take property by eminent domain for commercial development. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=167&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=6&SUBMIT1.y=12</ref>
===Education===
Debicella has consistently opposed the creation of unfunded mandates on municipalities, such as requiring all student suspensions to be in-school.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=7350&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=20&SUBMIT1.y=3</ref> He co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that funded the Teacher’s Retirement Fund through state bonding.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6141&which_year=2007</ref> In committee, Debicella filibustered a controversial bill, ultimately vetoed by Rell, that would have allowed children of illegal immigrants who graduated from a Connecticut high school to apply for in-state tuition.<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/06/26/rell_vetoes_in_state_tuition_rates_for_illegal_immigrant_kids/</ref>


Debicella has also generally been against government regulation. Debicella was one of two Senators to oppose a "clean contracting" bill designed to prevent preferential treatment and no-bid contracts. <ref>http://www.ccm-ct.org/advocacy/2006-2007/092107.html</ref> He voted against allowing municipal, small business, and nonprofit employees to join the state employees' healthcare pool.<ref>http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2009/05/senate-approves-controversial.html</ref> While he has opposed most healthcare mandates,<ref>http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_lpa.asp?cmd=getdoc&DocId=34777&Index=I%3a\zindex\2007</ref> he did vote in favor of requiring coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment.<ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12378669</ref>
===Crime===
⚫
Debicella is generally supportive of criminal laws. He supports having a “three strikes” law in Connecticut, which would automatically impose a life sentence upon anyone convicted of three violent felonies.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=671&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=2&SUBMIT1.y=17</ref> He voted against abolishing the death penalty in the state and supports reforms to make it "more workable."<ref>http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/05/31/news/a1-deathpenalty.txt</ref> He has also opposed the legalization of medical marijuana.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6715&which_year=2009</ref>


===Transportation===
⚫
Debicella has co-sponsored multiple bills to prohibit the expansion of [[Sikorsky Memorial Airport]] in Stratford.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5746&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=4&SUBMIT1.y=12</ref><ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19791493&BRD=1773&PAG=461&dept_id=30987&rfi=8</ref> In a rare tie vote in the Senate, he voted for ending [[Geographical pricing|zone pricing]] of gasoline in Connecticut, which did not become law.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6980&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=9&SUBMIT1.y=15</ref>


===Senior citizens===
===Quality of Life Issues===

Debicella co-sponsored a bill that expanded Operation Fuel, a program that provides a $500 credit for Connecticut [[Senior citizen|seniors]] 65 or older whose income is at or below the state median, to assist with their home heating costs.<ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20204740&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9166&rfi=6</ref>
In the area of education, Debicella co-sponsored a bipartisan bill in 2007 that funded the Teacher’s Retirement Fund through utilizing state bonding<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6141&which_year=2007</ref>, and has consistently opposed the creation of unfunded mandates on municipalities such as mandating all school suspensions be in-school. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=7350&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=20&SUBMIT1.y=3</ref>

In the area of transportation, Debicella co-sponsored a bill that passed in both 2007 and 2008 to forbid the expansion of Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5746&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=4&SUBMIT1.y=12</ref><ref>http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19791493&BRD=1773&PAG=461&dept_id=30987&rfi=8</ref>
In a rare tie vote in the Senate, he voted for ending zone pricing of gasoline in Connecticut, which did not become law.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6980&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=9&SUBMIT1.y=15</ref>

⚫
Debicella is generally known as taking a hard-line on crime issues. He has supported a “three strikes” law in Connecticut, which would give automatic life in jail for anyone with three violent felonies. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=671&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=2&SUBMIT1.y=17</ref> In 2009, he voted to keep the death penalty for murderers in Connecticut.<ref> http://www.connpost.com/ci_12430798?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com</ref>
⚫
Debicella has also proposed several amendments to bills that have failed to gain passage. He has proposed amendments to end the power of judges to force affordable housing on communities. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=581&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=11&SUBMIT1.y=14</ref> He has also proposed allowing for referendum and initiative in Connecticut. <ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=444&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=12&SUBMIT1.y=5</ref>

⚫
Debicella was one of three State Senators to vote against a bill allowing municipalities to delay their property revaluation process until 2011.<ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12312254</ref> He was also the lone vote against a bill that gave the town of [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] control over a shellfish bed.<ref>http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTPB&p_theme=ctpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=119361772E5563A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM</ref>


===Social Issues===

⚫
On social issues, Debicella has taken moderate positions. Debicella voted for a bill codifying the Connecticut Supreme court’s recognition of same sex marriages, but only after including protections for religious institutions and religious organizations. He also introduced amendments requiring schools to notify parents when marriage and sexuality were being discussed in schools, and allowing parents to remove their children from such discussions.<ref>http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-same-sex-marriage-0423.artapr23,0,3521923.story</ref><ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-0899</ref> Debicella has also opposed the legalization of medical marijuana.<ref>http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6715&which_year=2009</ref> Debicella was one of four State Senators to oppose extending non-discrimination laws to transsexuals. <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13795&can_id=68394</ref>

⚫
Debicella was one of three State Senators to vote against requiring health care facilities to provide [[emergency contraception]] to victims of [[sexual assault]]. This vote, as well as a specific comment made by Debicella at a 2008 campaign debate,<ref>http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100021144&docId=l:876229709&start=13</ref> were strongly criticized by opponent Janice Andersen and other Democrats, who held a rally to condemn Debicella's position as "insensitive to rape victims" and “criminal”. Debicella defended his position by explaining that he supports access to emergency contraception "for all women, and especially for rape victims", but opposes forcing Catholic hospitals, who would have been affected by the bill, to go against their religious beliefs. Debicella said Andersen was "using an emotional issue for political gain."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12697:debicella-defends-record-called-insensitive-to-rape-victims&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517 | title=Andersen calls Debicella 'insensitive to rape victims' | first=John | last=Kovach | date=2008-10-31 | accessdate=2008-11-19 | publisher=''[[Stratford Star]]''}}</ref>


===Special Interest Scorecards===

In 2008, the Connecticut [[League of Conservation Voters]] gave Debicella a 58% rating on their annual scorecard<ref>http://www.ctlcv.org/Scorecards/2008%20Scorecard.pdf</ref> and the Connecticut [[AFL-CIO]] gave him a 29% rating.<ref>http://www.ctaflcio.org/2008%20political%20conv/2007-2008%20Scorecard.pdf</ref> He was endorsed in the 2008 election by the [[Connecticut Business & Industry Association]]<ref>http://www.cbia.com/newsroom/pastreleases/2008%20Releases/2008%20endorsements/21-%20Debicella,%20Dan.pdf</ref> and the [[Family Institute of Connecticut]].<ref>http://www.ctfamily.org/2008_Endorsements.pdf</ref>



===Voting in the minority===
⚫
Debicella has often voted in the minority, even when compared to members of his own party. In addition to many of the votes listed above, Debicella was one of two Senators to oppose a "clean contracting" bill designed to prevent preferential treatment and no-bid contracts, which brought scandal to former Governor [[John Rowland]].<ref>http://www.ccm-ct.org/advocacy/2006-2007/092107.html</ref> Debicella was one of three State Senators to vote against a bill allowing municipalities to delay their property revaluation process until 2011.<ref>http://www.connpost.com/ci_12312254</ref> He was also the lone vote against a bill that gave the town of [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] control over a shellfish bed.<ref>http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTPB&p_theme=ctpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=119361772E5563A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM</ref>


==Electoral history==
==Electoral history==

Revision as of 17:13, 5 June 2009

Dan Debicella
Member of the Connecticut State Senate from the 21st district
In office
2007–present
Preceded byGeorge "Doc" Gunther
ConstituencyShelton, Stratford (part), Monroe (part), Seymour (part)
Personal details
BornOctober 24, 1974
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Died225x250px
Resting place225x250px
Political partyRepublican
SpousesAlexandra Galli-Debicella
ChildrenNone
Parent
  • 225x250px
ResidencesShelton, Connecticut
Websitehttp://www.debicella.com

Daniel Charles "Dan" Debicella (born October 24, 1974) is a Republican politician and businessman currently representing the 21st district in the Connecticut State Senate.

Personal life and background

Debicella was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Shelton, where he currently resides. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1992. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Debicella is currently an Assistant Vice President of Marketing at The Hartford Financial Services.[1] Previously, Debicella worked as Director of Strategy at PepsiCo, as an online business owner, and as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. He currently serves on the board of various community organizations.

Prior to being elected State Senator, Debicella served on Shelton’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation for seven years, four as its chairman. Debicella acted as the Fairfield County regional chair for Rudy Giuliani's unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign.[2]

State Senator

Debicella was first elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2008. He succeeded George "Doc" Gunther, the longest-serving state legislator in Connecticut history, after working as his campaign manager for several elections.[3]

In the State Senate, Debicella holds the position of Deputy Minority Leader and sits on the Appropriations (ranking member), Higher Education (ranking member), Public Health (ranking member), and Regulations Review committees.[4]

Accomplishments

In 2007, Debicella co-authored a bill that provides tax credits for businesses that create at least 10 new jobs in a year. The bill was passed unanimously and signed into law by Governor Jodi Rell.[5] In committee, Debicella filibustered a controversial bill that would have allowed children of illegal immigrants who graduated from a Connecticut high school to apply for in-state tuition. The bill eventually passed through the General Assembly but was ultimately vetoed by Rell.[6]

In 2008, in response to Environmental Protection Agency plans for a waste deposit in Stratford, Debicella co-sponsored a bill that prohibited the depositing of more than 1,000 cubic yards of asbestos-laden soil near residential areas without approval from two-thirds of the municipality's legislative body.[7] He also proposed legislation that would have allowed individuals and families who receive a physical exam and all age-appropriate preventive tests to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state income tax, which did not pass through committee.[8] Debicella co-sponsored a bill that expanded Operation Fuel, a program that provides a $500 credit for Connecticut seniors 65 or older whose income is at or below the state median, to assist with their home heating costs.[9] Debicella also secured $2 million in bonding for downtown Shelton revitalization, which cumulated with a visit to Shelton by Governor Rell announcing the funding.

In 2009, Debicella is focusing on eliminating Connecticut’s budget deficit without tax increases by reducing spending through changing how the state provides social services.[10] Debicella has also reintroduced his proposed for tax credits to those who obtain all prescribed preventative tests.[11]

Debicella received the "Guardian of Small Business" award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses in March 2009 for his work in supporting pro-small business legislation. [12]

Voting Record

Economic Issues

Debicella’s voting record has reflected a bias for smaller government, free-market policies, and decentralization of government power to the local level. In 2007, Debicella joined the majority of Senators in voting for a budget that did not raise taxes, was under the constitutional spending cap, and increased education funding by 10-20% to all towns. [13] In 2009, Debicella came out strongly against a Democratic proposal to increase taxes by over $3.3 billion. [14] Instead, he joined other legislative Republicans in proposing a budget that cut spending to close the budget deficit. [15]

Debicella generally has a “pro-business” voting record. He joined other Republicans in opposing bills mandating paid sick leave on small businesses and increasing the minimum wage. [16] Debicella also co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to make it more difficult to take property by eminent domain for commercial development. [17]

Debicella has also generally been against government regulation. Debicella was one of two Senators to oppose a "clean contracting" bill designed to prevent preferential treatment and no-bid contracts. [18] He voted against allowing municipal, small business, and nonprofit employees to join the state employees' healthcare pool.[19] While he has opposed most healthcare mandates,[20] he did vote in favor of requiring coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment.[21]


Quality of Life Issues

In the area of education, Debicella co-sponsored a bipartisan bill in 2007 that funded the Teacher’s Retirement Fund through utilizing state bonding[22], and has consistently opposed the creation of unfunded mandates on municipalities such as mandating all school suspensions be in-school. [23]

In the area of transportation, Debicella co-sponsored a bill that passed in both 2007 and 2008 to forbid the expansion of Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. [24][25] In a rare tie vote in the Senate, he voted for ending zone pricing of gasoline in Connecticut, which did not become law.[26]

Debicella is generally known as taking a hard-line on crime issues. He has supported a “three strikes” law in Connecticut, which would give automatic life in jail for anyone with three violent felonies. [27] In 2009, he voted to keep the death penalty for murderers in Connecticut.[28]

Debicella has also proposed several amendments to bills that have failed to gain passage. He has proposed amendments to end the power of judges to force affordable housing on communities. [29] He has also proposed allowing for referendum and initiative in Connecticut. [30]

Debicella was one of three State Senators to vote against a bill allowing municipalities to delay their property revaluation process until 2011.[31] He was also the lone vote against a bill that gave the town of Westport control over a shellfish bed.[32]


Social Issues

On social issues, Debicella has taken moderate positions. Debicella voted for a bill codifying the Connecticut Supreme court’s recognition of same sex marriages, but only after including protections for religious institutions and religious organizations. He also introduced amendments requiring schools to notify parents when marriage and sexuality were being discussed in schools, and allowing parents to remove their children from such discussions.[33][34] Debicella has also opposed the legalization of medical marijuana.[35] Debicella was one of four State Senators to oppose extending non-discrimination laws to transsexuals. [36]

Debicella was one of three State Senators to vote against requiring health care facilities to provide emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. This vote, as well as a specific comment made by Debicella at a 2008 campaign debate,[37] were strongly criticized by opponent Janice Andersen and other Democrats, who held a rally to condemn Debicella's position as "insensitive to rape victims" and “criminal”. Debicella defended his position by explaining that he supports access to emergency contraception "for all women, and especially for rape victims", but opposes forcing Catholic hospitals, who would have been affected by the bill, to go against their religious beliefs. Debicella said Andersen was "using an emotional issue for political gain."[38]


Special Interest Scorecards

In 2008, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters gave Debicella a 58% rating on their annual scorecard[39] and the Connecticut AFL-CIO gave him a 29% rating.[40] He was endorsed in the 2008 election by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association[41] and the Family Institute of Connecticut.[42]


Electoral history

Connecticut State Senate Election, 2006: Senatorial District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Dan Debicella 16,476 52.2
Democratic Chris Jones 15,099 47.8
Majority 1,377
Turnout 31,575
Connecticut State Senate Election, 2008: Senatorial District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Dan Debicella 24,940 54.4
Democratic Janice Andersen 20,912 45.6
Majority 4,028
Turnout 45,852

References

  1. ^ http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/sen_info/debicella.aspx
  2. ^ http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=4943
  3. ^ http://debicella.com/bio.html
  4. ^ http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=68394
  5. ^ http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2007/061507.html
  6. ^ http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/06/26/rell_vetoes_in_state_tuition_rates_for_illegal_immigrant_kids/
  7. ^ http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19677567&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8
  8. ^ http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19393688&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=8
  9. ^ http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20204740&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9166&rfi=6
  10. ^ http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17999:debicella-lands-appropriations-seat&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517
  11. ^ http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/01/health_care_ref_1.php
  12. ^ http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/press/debicella/2009/032709.html
  13. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=8003&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=9&SUBMIT1.y=2
  14. ^ http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24706:democrat-republicans-oppose-budget-proposal&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=1786
  15. ^ http://www.connpost.com/ci_12156841?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com
  16. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=601&which_year=2007
  17. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=167&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=6&SUBMIT1.y=12
  18. ^ http://www.ccm-ct.org/advocacy/2006-2007/092107.html
  19. ^ http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2009/05/senate-approves-controversial.html
  20. ^ http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_lpa.asp?cmd=getdoc&DocId=34777&Index=I%3a\zindex\2007
  21. ^ http://www.connpost.com/ci_12378669
  22. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6141&which_year=2007
  23. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=7350&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=20&SUBMIT1.y=3
  24. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5746&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=4&SUBMIT1.y=12
  25. ^ http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19791493&BRD=1773&PAG=461&dept_id=30987&rfi=8
  26. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6980&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=9&SUBMIT1.y=15
  27. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=671&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=2&SUBMIT1.y=17
  28. ^ http://www.connpost.com/ci_12430798?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com
  29. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=581&which_year=2007&SUBMIT1.x=11&SUBMIT1.y=14
  30. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=444&which_year=2008&SUBMIT1.x=12&SUBMIT1.y=5
  31. ^ http://www.connpost.com/ci_12312254
  32. ^ http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTPB&p_theme=ctpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=119361772E5563A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
  33. ^ http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-same-sex-marriage-0423.artapr23,0,3521923.story
  34. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-0899
  35. ^ http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6715&which_year=2009
  36. ^ http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=13795&can_id=68394
  37. ^ http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100021144&docId=l:876229709&start=13
  38. ^ Kovach, John (2008-10-31). "Andersen calls Debicella 'insensitive to rape victims'". Stratford Star. Retrieved 2008-11-19. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ http://www.ctlcv.org/Scorecards/2008%20Scorecard.pdf
  40. ^ http://www.ctaflcio.org/2008%20political%20conv/2007-2008%20Scorecard.pdf
  41. ^ http://www.cbia.com/newsroom/pastreleases/2008%20Releases/2008%20endorsements/21-%20Debicella,%20Dan.pdf
  42. ^ http://www.ctfamily.org/2008_Endorsements.pdf
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