Biography

Bob Godfrey serves as the state representative of the General Assembly’s 110th District in Danbury. Now in his 12th term in the House of Representatives, he has a leadership role as Deputy Speaker and is a member of the Judiciary, Government, Administration & Elections, and Legislative Management Committees.

Godfrey serves in a national leadership role as chairman of the influential Council of State Governments (CSG), a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing state officials in all three branches of state government. Prior to this role, he served as co-chairman of CSG’s Eastern Regional Conference in 2005.

Since his first election in 1988, he has been recognized as a state leader for legislation to protect children and families at home and in school, and to ensure that state government is both transparent and accessible. He is particularly proud of:

• 1990’s Kids and Guns Act for which he was named Champion of Children by the Connecticut Coalition for Children;
• 1993’s Assault Weapons Ban for which he was named Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association;
• 1994’s Firearms Crimes and Sales Act for which he was recognized by the Connecticut Coalition Against Gun Violence;
• 1996’s constitutional amendment guaranteeing protections for victims of crime;
• Initiating the General Assembly’s open and public Internet accessibility, and the Connecticut Television Network (CT-N).
• His personal advocacy for working families for which the Connecticut AFL-CIO recognized him as Outstanding Legislator of 2000;
• 2003’s Safe Schools Act to improve indoor air quality in schools through the removal of toxic materials and organisms;
• His commitment to increase public access to government and the legislature for which the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission presented him with its 2003 distinguished Service Award;
• 2006’s Distinguished Legislator Award from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for his efforts to provide quality public education.
• 2008’s special recognition from the military veterans of western Connecticut for his long advocacy for his comrades-in-arms; and
• 2009’s Probate Court Reform which will make these courts more effective and efficient while maintaining their user-friendliness.
• His advocacy of pre-school education, for which he was named Champion of Children in 2009 and 2010 by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance
• To see a more complete list of honors and awards, click here.

In addition to his legislative duties, he annually sponsors and participates in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program, which brings high school students to the Capitol to simulate state government. He serves on the Board of Directors of AIDS Project Greater Danbury.

Bob was born in Danbury in 1948 and has lived there all his life. He attended St. Peter’s School and Immaculate High School in Danbury. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law. He is an attorney. In the past, Bob managed the family pet shop, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and was an executive with the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his election to the House in 1988, he served for five years on Danbury’s Common Council.

[Updated 2/12]