Robert W. Heagney

Heagney served as a Republican representative for four terms from 1999-2007. In the 2006 election, he was defeated by Democrat Linda Schofield.[5]

Heagney's legislative record includes, in 1999 and 2000, an increase in state aid for the town of Simsbury - representing the most significant increase in state funding for Simsbury in over a decade.[6]

As a member of the Education Committee, Heagney helped pass a bill that permanently bans anyone convicted of a serious felony from teaching in Connecticut and fought for expediting special education reimbursement for excess or unforeseen costs.

In 2003, Heagney introduced legislation that requires the state's community-technical colleges, Connecticut State University System, and the University of Connecticut to allow members of the armed services that are called into active duty during the school year to take the classes they paid for without additional charges upon their return. The measure prevents reservists and full-time members of the armed services, who have already paid tuition costs to state colleges and universities, from losing the funds they have paid to those schools once they have been called to serve the country.[7]

In addition, Rob has voted for $500 million in tax relief for families and businesses, enhanced funding of the state’s open space acquisition program, and lead local opposition to the purchase of Village Water by the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company.

He served as the Ranking Member of the Education Committee (2000–2004).

For the 2005-07 legislative sessions, his fourth term in office, he was Minority Whip of the Republican grouping and a member of the General Assembly’s Education, Higher Education, and Banks committees.