Joan V. Hartley is a Democratic state senator representing Connecticut's 15th Senate District, which includes Waterbury, Middlebury, and Naugatuck. She serves as Chief Deputy President Pro Tempore, Chair of the Commerce Committee, and Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee. A long-time Waterbury resident, Hartley has held office since 2001, following 16 years in the State House representing the 73rd District, where she rose to Speaker Pro Tempore. Notable achievements include authoring early school readiness legislation for pre-kindergarten seats, expanding four-year degrees at Waterbury-UConn, securing funding for Kaynor Technical High School renovations, improving transportation in Greater Waterbury, and advocating for breast cancer screenings and access to local produce; she also supported the state spending cap, tax reductions, and HMO reforms like banning "drive-through deliveries."

Education and Political Experience

Hartley graduated with a B.A. from Elms College and an M.A. from Trinity College, and worked as an educator before entering politics. Her Senate tenure includes committee roles on Executive and Legislative Nominations, Legislative Management, Regulation Review, and Energy and Technology. Often viewed as one of the more conservative Democrats, she has taken independent stances, such as opposing same-sex marriage redefinition, transgender rights legislation, and certain healthcare expansions. She lives in Waterbury with her husband Jim and has two children, Devin and Brooke.