Preceded by Miles S. Rapoport Name Andy Fleischmann Nationality American Role Political leader | Political party Democratic Party Democratic Party Spouse(s) Caroline Shaffery | |
Alma mater Princeton University (A.B.)
Stanford University (M.A.) Occupation President & CEO, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters Residence West Hartford, Connecticut, United States Education Princeton University, Stanford University | ||
Andy Fleischmann Defends Planned Parenthood
Andrew Fleischmann is a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, who represents the 18th Assembly District, which consists of portions of West Hartford, Connecticut.
A graduate of Hall High School in West Hartford, Fleischmann attended Princeton University, graduating from its Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs cum laude, with Phi Beta Kappa honors. He received a master's degree in history from Stanford University, with a concentration on modern U.S. public policy.
Representative Miles S. Rapoport launched a successful bid for Connecticut Secretary of State in 1994. Fleischmann defeated five primary election opponents to become the Democratic candidate to succeed Rapoport in the 18th Assembly District and won the general election that November. He was re-elected in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014.
In 2010, House Majority Leader Denise Merrill launched a successful bid for Connecticut Secretary of State. Flesichmann narrowly lost a bid to Brendan Sharkey to succeed Merrill as House Majority Leader in the 2011 legislative session.
Fleischmann is Chairman of the House Education Committee and of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Elementary and Secondary Education. He has given particular attention to strengthening state funding for public schools, increasing academic rigor for students and educators alike, and protecting children from harmful pesticides. When he served on the Government Administration and Elections Committee, he was a leading proponent of campaign finance reform - a set of statutory changes that set up Connecticut's Citizens' Election Program - allowing candidates to collect only small contributions ($5-$100) from individuals, and then receive a public grant for their campaign. He has opposed subsequent efforts to undermine this system since its creation in 2005.
Outside the General Assembly, Fleischmann serves as President and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America that covers 132 of Connecticut's cities and towns - providing professionally supported mentors to children in need. Fleischmann and his wife live in West Hartford with their two daughters.