Toni E. Walker

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester) today announced the appointment of Rep. Toni Walker (D-New Haven) as House chair of the Appropriations Committee.

“Connecticut’s fiscal picture has changed dramatically thanks to the work of Toni Walker,” Speaker Ritter said. “The state once known for fiscal uncertainty is now blessed with strong budget reserves, growth and stability. Toni’s blend of talents as a leader and a teacher have helped our caucus navigate tough budget years and, the surprisingly complex, good budget years.”

“Representative Walker is our foremost expert on the budget given her years of service leading the Appropriations Committee. She has led with a steady hand though times of fiscal opportunity and duress.  Her measured approach and ability to work with both sides of the aisle are a benefit to the general assembly,” Majority Leader Rojas said. “I want to thank Rep. Walker for again committing her time and talent to this demanding leadership role,” Majority Leader Rojas said.

Rep. Walker is a retired educator and an advocate for youth, education, and human rights. In addition to being the longtime chair of Appropriations, Rep. Walker is a policy leader in juvenile justice reform.