Steven Stafstrom

Many of you have reached out regarding the overflow of sewage into Black Rock Harbor. The harbor is one of our greatest natural resources. I share the concern about our water quality. My staff and I have been briefed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and I’d like to explain a little further what’s been occurring on our city’s shoreline.

The Department of Revenue Services misinterpreted language in the budget we passed and put an overly broad tax on many grocery items not previously taxed. We never intended to expand the tax that broadly. But after discussions with Governor Lamont, we succeeded in getting DRS to rescind this policy, and now the tax will reflect our actual intentions.

The New York Times reports municipalities in the U.S. have been held hostage by sophisticated criminals who have hacked computer systems, encrypted data and demanded millions of dollars in ransoms for freeing the systems. Interviewed by reporters, Rep. Steven Stafstrom says 2017 legislation he led to passage as a deterrent calls for up to three years in prison upon conviction.

As we grieve over more mass shootings and look for answers out of Washington, I’m proud that our state continues to set an example. Now, if only Congress and other states would start to follow our lead.

The $115 million financing for the construction of a new Bassick High School is moving forward, thanks to the House of Representatives voting to give final approval to legislation authorizing $90.8 million in state bond funding – about 80 percent of the total project cost.

On the last day of session, the House passed a bill that would allow juveniles charged with car theft to seek services rather than face adult prosecution. “It’s to make sure those juveniles who are wrapped up in the system as a result of a car theft can get the services they need and an opportunity to right themselves,” Judiciary Committee House Chair Steve Stafstrom said.

Led by Rep. Steve Stafstrom, Judiciary Committee co-chair, the House passed a bill to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk that requires law enforcement to change the way they publicly release information after use-of-force incidents and prohibits police officers from firing into fleeing vehicles.

The House passed a budget that is responsible, stable and funds the Rainy Day Fund at historic levels. With significant investments in education, job growth, and economic development throughout the state, the budget holds the line on spending.