Fonfara 2010

John Fonfara, a lifelong resident of Hartford, grew up and lives in the city’s South End. Educated in Hartford public schools, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Public Policy Studies from Trinity College.

Fonfara represents the 1st Senatorial District communities of Hartford and Wethersfield. First elected to the General Assembly in 1986, he represented the South End in the House of Representatives for 10 years, and is presently serving his seventh term in the state Senate. He has served on many committees in his 24 years as a legislator, and is currently the co-chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, vice-chair of the Education and Finance committees, and a member of the Program Review & Investigations Committee.

As co-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, Senator Fonfara has been a consistent advocate for reform of Connecticut’s inefficient and highly expensive energy system. He has championed passage of multiple pieces of landmark legislation to produce savings for Connecticut energy consumers, increase the state’s investment in energy efficiency and conservation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage new local production of clean, renewable energy. His major legislative accomplishments on energy include Public Act 07-242 in 2007, and Senate Bill 493 in 2010 (vetoed by the Governor).

Senator Fonfara has also concentrated on many other initiatives during his tenure, including reform of Hartford’s educational system, improving and protecting quality of life in our urban and suburban neighborhoods, and securing $10 million in state funds toward the clean-up and preservation of Wethersfield Cove.