Recognizing the Retirement of State Senator Steve Cassano

Floor Speech

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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one of Connecticut's First District's foremost public servants, State Senator Steve Cassano.

At the beginning of this year, Senator Cassano retired after a prolific four-decade career--serving as Mayor of Manchester for 14 years and in the Connecticut State Senate for more than a decade.

He was a fierce advocate for regional cooperation--helming the influential Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and the Capitol Region Council of Governments at various times.

Steve understood that our communities are stronger when we work together, and that our region needs a forward-looking plan for the future that serves all residents.

I had the pleasure of working closely with Senator Cassano in each of his roles over the years.

As Mayor, Steve led the Town of Manchester as it transitioned from a mill town to a local hub for business and a retail destination of the Capital Region.

In the State Senate, he led efforts for Connecticut to recover from Hurricane Sandy, the costliest hurricane to ever hit New England.

He capped off a storied career in government with what Steve called his proudest accomplishment--passing historic legislation to ensure adopted children could access their birth records.

I extend my congratulations to Steve Cassano on a career that served our state and region for the better and I commend and thank him for his service.

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