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Matt Lesser ’10
State Representative
Matt Lesser ’10 is not a GOLD alumnus yet, but he is already doing exciting things. He was elected to public office as a State Representative, proudly serving Durham, Middlefield, and Middletown’s 100th Assembly District last November. Read more about Matt’s time in office in our interview.
What legislation are you currently working on?
Matt Lesser: I am working on many different things. One project is to create a reform measure to prohibit employers from looking at a potential employee’s credit reports. Especially in this economic climate it is possible that one has fallen behind in bill payments or younger people might have defaulted on a student loan. Since this is shown in credit history, it could prevent someone from getting a job which will prevent them from getting back on their feet.
Other projects include a couple of environmental bills, including one to ban toxins from household products. I am also working with a Wesleyan professor to prevent homeowners associations from regulating the use of clotheslines in neighborhoods. In addition to these pieces of legislation, I sit on the committees of Education, Public Health, and Energy & Technology.
What has surprised you the most since taking office?
ML: Not that it has been a surprise so to say, but there have been many budget talks. The budget currently has the largest deficit in the state’s history. Many of the legislators who have been around for quite some time have said this is the worst they have ever seen it. Everything else is taking a back seat to this issue.
When your term is up in two years, what will it take to make you feel your first term has been a success?
ML: I am looking forward to this tremendous opportunity we have as a state and as a country with our new leadership and counterparts in Washington. Two years from now, when I look back, I just want to make sure we have made decisions that are not just short-term quick fixes to balance the budget. I want to make sure that I have taken full advantage of all the situations to make smart long-term decisions, whatever those may be, that benefit my constituents.
What are your future plans?
ML: Well this one, I really can’t answer... I have only been in office for two months so far. It is a wonderful opportunity and I am honored to be in this position, but for now I am concentrating on doing the work that the Middletown/Middlefield/Durham residents have put me in office to do.