Christopher G. Donovan

State:Connecticut
Current Office:Representative
Party:Democratic Party

Representing the 84th Assembly District of Meriden, Connecticut, he was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1992 and served as House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee from 1997-2003, before being elected Majority Leader in November of 2004. Rep. Donovan has been a key sponsor of health care reform legislation and is currently working to increase access to affordable, quality health care by opening up the state employee health care plan to municipalities, non-profits and small businesses.(source) Rep. Donovan believes quality health care coverage should be available to everyone in the state. (source) Over the years as Majority Leader, Rep. Donovan led successful fights on campaign finance reform, stem cell research funding, and supplemental Medicare coverage, as well as expansions to the HUSKY program, minimum wage increases, school-based health clinics, school nutrition, and mass transit improvements including the establishment of the New Haven-Springfield commuter rail line. Rep. Donovan has been recognized for his efforts by numerous groups. He received the Child Advocacy Legislative Leadership Award, was named Humanitarian of the Year, and was NASW's Legislator of the Year. Rep. Donovan also received recognition for his support on legislation to create the Office of Multicultural Health and Capitol Community College recognized him as an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. Most recently, The Connecticut State Council of Machinists presented Rep. Donovan with their Outstanding Commitment Award. He was also recognized as an important advocate for the deaf and hearing impaired, named Family Legislator of the Year and earned an MVP award for his clean elections efforts.(source) Rep. Donovan is currently a member of the University of Connecticut School of Social Work Advisory Committee and The Collegiate Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons Advisory Board. He is a former member of the Connecticut Family Leave Task Force. (source) Rep. Donovan formerly worked for the Connecticut Citizen's Action Group where he focused on environmental, energy and housing issues. He also worked for the Service Employees International Union on day care, family leave, and pay equity issues. Chris, his wife Elaine Gallen Donovan, and his daughter Sarah live in Meriden. Chris and Elaine have a grown son Aaron who resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts.