Chris Coutu Sworn in as State Representative

HARTFORD–Chris Coutu was sworn in Wednesday as state representative for the 47th General Assembly District. Coutu, of Norwich, is serving his first term in Connecticut’s legislature. He was accompanied to Hartford by his wife, Neringa, and other family members. Coutu chatted with colleagues on both sides of the aisle before Gov. M. Jodi Rell delivered a sobering report about the state and national economies. Coutu and the rest of the legislators have a difficult task ahead: try to find solutions to budget deficits forecasted by Rell and government analysts. “Our mission may be a clear one, but the path we will take this session will not be,” Rell told the assembly. Coutu said he is ready to take decisive action, even if it means making difficult decisions. The freshman legislator said he wants to work toward building state government that communities in his district can rely on, and he is committed to finding budget solutions that won’t have the state increase taxes in tough economic times.