PA 490 Work Group
Purpose:
Per Governor Lamont's January 19, 2026, directive to the Office of Policy and Management:
Convene a working group in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, including representation from agricultural organizations, farmers, municipal leaders, and assessors, to recommend alternative measures to improve data collection, review, and valuation processes consistent with subsection (1) of section 12-2b of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Work Group Members:
|
ORGANIZATION |
REPRESENTATIVE |
REPRESENTING |
|
Office of Policy and Management |
Undersecretary Martin L. Heft |
State |
|
Department of Agriculture |
Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt |
State |
|
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
Christopher Martin |
State |
| Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | David Beers | State |
|
CT Farm Bureau |
Paul Larson |
Statewide |
|
CT Association of Assessing Officers |
Damon Braasch |
CAAO PA 490 committee |
|
CT Association of Assessing Officers |
Bill Lee |
CAAO PA 490 committee |
|
CT Council of Small Towns |
Nicholas D'Addario |
Selectman, Easton |
|
CT Council of Municipalities |
Mark Walter |
Town Administrator, Columbia |
|
Local Farmer - River Valley |
John Emmanuel |
Farmer & Town Councilor, Rocky Hill |
|
Local Farmer |
Keith Bishop |
Guilford |
| Local Farmer - Governor | Francis Whelan | Rocky Hill |
|
Local Farmer - Non River Valley (East) |
Kim Grijalva |
North Stonington |
|
Local Farmer - Non River Valley (West) |
Ben Freund |
East Canaan |
|
Local Forester |
Joseph Orefice |
Union |
|
Local Aqua Farmer |
Mike Gilman |
Madison |
|
UConn Extension |
Bonnie Burr |
State |
|
CT Greenhouse Growers |
John L. Casertano |
Cheshire |
|
CT Nursery & Landscaping Assoc |
Connor Bunovsky |
Monroe |
|
New CT Farmer Alliance |
Ella Kennen |
Statewide |
|
American Farmland Trust |
Jennie Kapszukiewicz |
Plainfield |
Meetings:
Tuesday, February 10, 9:30 AM Organizational Meeting / Meeting Notes / Zoom Recording
Tuesday, March 10, 9:30 AM Agenda / Meeting Notes / Zoom Recording
Future meetings will be posted in advance.
Public Participation:
Public comments at meetings will be provided remotely via ZOOM registration noted on the meeting agenda. For ADA accommodations contact OPM.PA490@ct.gov. Comments will be limited to three minutes.
Resources:
Contacts:
For local assessment matters contact your local municipal Assessor.
PA 490 Work Group Contact:OPM.PA490@ct.gov