Nick Simmons (D)
CT Senate, District 36
Democrat Independent
Former Deputy Chief of Staff to CT Governor Ned Lamont
(1) I have strong roots in this district, and understand our values and needs. I grew up in Greenwich, and my wife and I are proud to be raising our young son here in Stamford. My family and I all agree—there is no better place to grow up than right here in Connecticut's 36th District.
(2) I am passionate about service—which I built upon as a public school teacher. I first found my passion for service teaching 7th grade math at a school made up of mostly low-income families in Harlem, New York. I later became acting principal at 26 years old—one of the youngest in the entire state. My students faced adversity at every turn, but we did whatever it took to make sure they flourished.
(3) I have direct experience in policy, working in Governor Ned Lamont’s and President Biden’s administrations—and I will bring my knowledge back to the Connecticut State Senate. I spent three years working in Governor Ned Lamont's Administration, most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff, where I helped lead the design and implementation of policies that included the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into Connecticut schools and infrastructure, growing the state’s economy, training thousands of workers to fill jobs, and fighting climate change. When President Biden took office, I was tapped to serve as a Senior Advisor, where I helped oversee the effort to reopen schools nationwide during COVID-19 and to ensure $190 billion dollars went to support our students and teachers.
(2) I am passionate about service—which I built upon as a public school teacher. I first found my passion for service teaching 7th grade math at a school made up of mostly low-income families in Harlem, New York. I later became acting principal at 26 years old—one of the youngest in the entire state. My students faced adversity at every turn, but we did whatever it took to make sure they flourished.
(3) I have direct experience in policy, working in Governor Ned Lamont’s and President Biden’s administrations—and I will bring my knowledge back to the Connecticut State Senate. I spent three years working in Governor Ned Lamont's Administration, most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff, where I helped lead the design and implementation of policies that included the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into Connecticut schools and infrastructure, growing the state’s economy, training thousands of workers to fill jobs, and fighting climate change. When President Biden took office, I was tapped to serve as a Senior Advisor, where I helped oversee the effort to reopen schools nationwide during COVID-19 and to ensure $190 billion dollars went to support our students and teachers.
Lower Our Taxes and Grow Our Economy: Connecticut needs taxpayers, not more taxes. I am committed to lowering taxes, growing the economy and maintaining fiscal responsibility in Hartford by passing balanced budgets, and adhering to the fiscal guardrails that have helped restore our state to fiscal stability.
Secure More Funding for Our District: Quality infrastructure is essential for a thriving community, and Connecticut deserves better. I am dedicated to advancing Connecticut’s 36th District into the 21st century without tolls or extra taxpayer burdens by:
(1) Fixing I-95 and Metro-North: I will champion securing state funds and prioritize transportation projects in the CTDOT budget
(2) Modernizing Our Schools: I will coordinate with the state budget process and local Boards of Education to secure more state funds for our schools
(3) Fighting Climate Change: I will enhance flood defenses by improving drainage systems, reinforcing seawalls, and promoting sustainable urban planning to reduce flood risks.
Fight Back Against Extremism: I believe protecting our community’s rights is fundamental to fostering a safe, equitable, and prosperous future for all. This includes strong, common sense gun laws and the protection of reproductive freedoms.
Secure More Funding for Our District: Quality infrastructure is essential for a thriving community, and Connecticut deserves better. I am dedicated to advancing Connecticut’s 36th District into the 21st century without tolls or extra taxpayer burdens by:
(1) Fixing I-95 and Metro-North: I will champion securing state funds and prioritize transportation projects in the CTDOT budget
(2) Modernizing Our Schools: I will coordinate with the state budget process and local Boards of Education to secure more state funds for our schools
(3) Fighting Climate Change: I will enhance flood defenses by improving drainage systems, reinforcing seawalls, and promoting sustainable urban planning to reduce flood risks.
Fight Back Against Extremism: I believe protecting our community’s rights is fundamental to fostering a safe, equitable, and prosperous future for all. This includes strong, common sense gun laws and the protection of reproductive freedoms.
Connecticut's housing policies have failed our communities for decades, offering little support for local control or economic growth. We need a collaborative approach that empowers towns and cities to achieve their own housing goals. I will champion smart, action-oriented policies that prioritize local authority and support communities in shaping their housing futures.
I have a five-point housing plan that will address the housing shortage:
(1) Introducing Common Sense Legislation: I will focus on amending 8-30g to make it easier for communities to provide input on developments and ensure alignment with their vision for community development.
(2) More State Funding: I will continue to unlock more funding for the 36th District to increase housing production while lowering overall costs.
(3) Lowering Costs: Building housing is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Several new building materials (e.g. mass timber) exist that are faster to build and result in lower overall construction costs, all while lowering carbon emissions from construction. I will focus on real solutions that will lower development costs.
(4) Cutting Red Tape and Streamlining Approvals: I will work with municipalities on implementing new streamlined approval processes. This would include creating one-stop permitting shops and special review teams for smaller residential projects.
(5) Supporting Local Housing Plans: Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan and other towns across our state have already generated great ideas that will move the needle on housing. I fervently believe that the role of the state is to work hand-in-hand with municipalities to support them realizing homegrown policy visions.
I have a five-point housing plan that will address the housing shortage:
(1) Introducing Common Sense Legislation: I will focus on amending 8-30g to make it easier for communities to provide input on developments and ensure alignment with their vision for community development.
(2) More State Funding: I will continue to unlock more funding for the 36th District to increase housing production while lowering overall costs.
(3) Lowering Costs: Building housing is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Several new building materials (e.g. mass timber) exist that are faster to build and result in lower overall construction costs, all while lowering carbon emissions from construction. I will focus on real solutions that will lower development costs.
(4) Cutting Red Tape and Streamlining Approvals: I will work with municipalities on implementing new streamlined approval processes. This would include creating one-stop permitting shops and special review teams for smaller residential projects.
(5) Supporting Local Housing Plans: Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan and other towns across our state have already generated great ideas that will move the needle on housing. I fervently believe that the role of the state is to work hand-in-hand with municipalities to support them realizing homegrown policy visions.
Rising energy costs are a significant concern for Stamford residents, impacting not only household budgets but also increasing public benefit costs. I recently sent a letter to PURA demanding action for the increase in energy bills. To address this pressing issue with a long-term, sustainable approach, I propose prioritizing the following solutions, informed by the Connecticut Energy Cost Reduction Plan:
(1) Cap Energy Costs Through Fair Agreements: I will advocate for state-negotiated electricity contracts that cap energy costs at no more than 150% above competitive market prices. This will protect families and businesses from paying inflated rates and ensure fair pricing. Moving beyond previous agreements, we need deals that genuinely benefit Connecticut residents by preventing overpayment for electricity.
(2) Lobby for Federal Support and Funding: I aim to intensify lobbying efforts with the federal government to secure increased support and funding for Connecticut’s energy sector.
(3) Incentivize a Competitive Energy Market: I will promote a competitive energy market through an "all-of-the-above" strategy, ensuring fair treatment and effective subsidies for all zero-carbon energy sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear.
(4) Hold Utilities and Regulators Accountable: I will implement stronger oversight and accountability measures for utility companies to ensure fair pricing and service. This includes monitoring utility practices, scrutinizing rate increases, and demanding transparency in their cost structures.
(5) Embrace Regional Cooperation to Strengthen Negotiation Power: I will form regional coalitions with neighboring states to negotiate better energy contracts. By collaborating, we can leverage our collective bargaining power to secure deals that benefit all residents.
(1) Cap Energy Costs Through Fair Agreements: I will advocate for state-negotiated electricity contracts that cap energy costs at no more than 150% above competitive market prices. This will protect families and businesses from paying inflated rates and ensure fair pricing. Moving beyond previous agreements, we need deals that genuinely benefit Connecticut residents by preventing overpayment for electricity.
(2) Lobby for Federal Support and Funding: I aim to intensify lobbying efforts with the federal government to secure increased support and funding for Connecticut’s energy sector.
(3) Incentivize a Competitive Energy Market: I will promote a competitive energy market through an "all-of-the-above" strategy, ensuring fair treatment and effective subsidies for all zero-carbon energy sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear.
(4) Hold Utilities and Regulators Accountable: I will implement stronger oversight and accountability measures for utility companies to ensure fair pricing and service. This includes monitoring utility practices, scrutinizing rate increases, and demanding transparency in their cost structures.
(5) Embrace Regional Cooperation to Strengthen Negotiation Power: I will form regional coalitions with neighboring states to negotiate better energy contracts. By collaborating, we can leverage our collective bargaining power to secure deals that benefit all residents.