Two Connecticut lobbying firms have expanded their ranks with veteran Capitol insiders ahead of the 2026 legislative session, as interest groups prepare for debates over health care, energy, cannabis, taxation and other policy issues.
Przybysz + Associates Government Affairs announced it hired Maureen Magnan as director of client and government relations and Mary Kate Mason as director of communications and strategy.
Magnan most recently served as deputy commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, overseeing liquor control, cannabis regulation and the state’s gaming portfolio, including lottery and sports betting. She previously spent more than three decades at the state Capitol in roles for House Democrats, including policy director, deputy chief of staff and chief of staff, according to the firm.
Mason comes from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where she worked under four commissioners in government affairs, communications and leadership roles. Her background includes behavioral health policy and work tied to marijuana legalization and opioid settlement funding, the firm said.
Separately, Statehouse Partners announced that Paul Pescatello has joined the Avon-based firm.
Pescatello previously served as senior counsel at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and as executive director of the Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council. His lobbying work has focused on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care and research and development tax policy, according to Statehouse Partners.
Pescatello earlier practiced law at Shipman & Goodwin and served as special counsel to the governor on tax and economic development policy.
Lawmakers convene on Wednesday for a short session that will run through May 6.
Numerous key business issues are expected to be discussed related to health care and energy costs and tax and competitiveness issues.
