House Democrats to hold “Taco Friday” fundraisers on day of tolls hearing

House Democrats, including Transportation Committee co-chair Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, are holding campaign fundraisers on the day of an information hearing on Gov. Lamont’s new transportation plan, which would install truck-only tolls on Connecticut highways.

Lemar is scheduled to be at the “Winter Fundraiser” from noon till 1:30, a half hour after the start of the committee hearing.

The fundraiser will be held at the Red Rock Tavern in Hartford with suggested contributions ranging between $100 and $500.

Lemar will be joined by Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, D-Fairfield, and House Deputy Speaker Russ Morin, D-Wethersfield, to raise money for the representatives’ political action committees.

Lemar is treasurer of the CT Progressive Leadership PAC, Morin is head of the Propel PAC and the McCarthy Vahey PAC is for Rep. McCarthy-Vahey. 

Meanwhile, other House Democrats will host “Taco Friday” at Agave in Hartford from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. while the public is testifying before the Transportation Committee.

The Taco Friday fundraiser is to raise money for the CT Majority Team PAC, the House Majority Committee and the House Democrats Campaign Committee.

Taco Friday is being hosted by House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, and House Majority Leader Matthew Ritter, D-Hartford.

The email alert for the fundraiser came through the Action Network, a political action platform supported by labor unions and other progressive organizations.

Aresimowicz, Ritter and Lemar have been leading the charge for tolls in the House of Representatives for the past two years and say they have the votes necessary to pass the bill.

There could possibly be a special session on Lamont’s transportation bill early next week, but lawmakers are not allowed to hold fundraisers during a special session. 

During an interview with Lemar on WTIC 1080 Thursday morning, Lemar said they are still trying to make sure all representatives would be available for a special session.

Lamont’s transportation bill has been an ongoing fight in both chambers of the General Assembly, and toll proponents and protesters are expected to show up at the Capitol Friday to attend the hearing, which is scheduled for 1 p.m.