Speaker of the House Jim Amann (D-Milford) and 14 members of the House Democratic caucus welcomed representatives of the Joint Council of Connecticut Fire Service Organizations on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 to the State Capitol for a legislative breakfast.

Rep. Amann urged the group to advocate with a unified voice and develop relationships among Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate.  "Firefighters are critical first responders in every town," the Speaker said.  "That's a powerful message and an ideal grassroots opportunity."  Also discussed was the desire of the Joint Council to see the General Assembly establish a bi-partisan Fire Service Caucus within Connecticut’s Legislature. 

Rep. Amann is a co-sponsor of proposed House Bill No. 6338, An Act Concerning Increased Funding for Fire Service Training, which if passed would fund entry-level training for volunteer, career and state agency fire departments in order to boost and standardize firefighter training statewide.

Other House Democrats attending the breakfast were:

Rep. Andres Ayala (D-Bridgeport)

Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville)

Rep. Don Clemons (D-Bridgeport)

Rep. Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia)

Rep. Tony Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill)

Rep. Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland)

Rep. Claire Janowski (D-Vernon)

Rep. Tom Kehoe (D-Glastonbury)

Rep. Russ Morin (D-Wethersfield)

Rep. Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol)

Rep. Peter Panaroni (D-Branford)

Rep. Tom Reynolds (D-Gales Ferry)

Rep. Kelvin Roldan (D-Hartford)

Rep. Elissa Wright (D-Noank)