Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville) the state bonding chair, died Friday at age 73 after serving 22 years in the legislature, according to lawmakers.
Defeated by incoming Republican William Petit, Boukus was recently profiled by the Connecticut Mirror for her reliable decision-making regarding which capital projects would get state financing.
As recently as June, when the Journal Inquirer reported that the state House voted unanimously to cancel or reduce $1 billion in bonding that would affect schools, infrastructure, and development projects across Connecticut, Boukus was the voice of calm.
“The reductions in this bill were not easy, but we were able to preserve many of the projects that we thought were important,” Boukus said at the time. “We continue to make critical investments in our state.”
Most recently, Boukus served as deputy majority caucus chair and chair of the bonding subcommittee of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.
Bokus was battling cancer and pneumonia, according to the Mirror. Fellow leaders reacted with sadness at the news. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that he is directing the flag of the state of Connecticut to fly at half-staff in her honor.
“She loved being an elected official, specifically the opportunity to serve the people of her towns Plainville and New Britain in order to advocate for their best interests – and she made sure everybody knew it,” Malloy said.
Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) praised Boukus as “one of the most beloved” and “caring” members of the General Assembly.
“She was a giant for her hometown of Plainville, the kind of leader who cannot be replaced. Even as she faced health issues more recently, Betty campaigned the way she legislated – fighting selflessly for the best interests of her constituents,” Sharkey said.
Speaker of the House-elect Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) noted the lawmaker did everything “with a smile on her face and a clever comment up her sleeve. There will never be another Betty Boukus. She will truly be missed.”
“Betty was an exceptionally compassionate and dedicated soul who gave so much of herself to serve our state,” added Senate leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven). “I will never forget her humor, wit and positive attitude. She was always making people laugh and always incredibly knowledgeable. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Boukus graduated from Plainville High School, and attended Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She received her master’s in education from the University of Hartford. Besides her husband Gary, she has two grown children and four grandchildren.
