Steven Stafstrom

Earlier this week unionized state employees voted to ratify a historic concessions package that will help Connecticut resolve the budget deficit. Members of the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) voted overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement - 83 percent to 17 percent. The agreement would save the state $1.2 billion over the next two years and $24 billion over its lifetime.

The Bridgeport legislative delegation praised Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's signing of legislation that will give the city and its taxpayers some relief needed to help steady Bridgeport's financial footing.

During the General Assembly's regular session, the Bridgeport legislative delegation worked together to pass bills that will make Bridgeport an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Legislation that will pave the way for Bridgeport to become a national model for the reuse of waste heat passed out of the House of Representatives Tuesday in a 100-51 vote. House Bill 6304 seeks to establish a pilot program in Bridgeport to test-drive thermal district heating technology.

House Bill 7308 would allow municipalities, including Bridgeport, to tap into a $9 million reserve of state funding to purchase body cameras and dashboard cameras for police cruisers. The legislation now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee, led House passage of House Bill 7309, which aims to combat human trafficking through increased penalties, training and awareness.

This week, the Governor and the respective legislative caucuses released proposals for a balanced budget. The legislative Democratic proposal contains significant restructuring to make state government more efficient while protecting investments in workforce training and business growth. Our proposal does not increase the state sales tax, personal income tax or corporation taxes.

State Rep. Steve Stafstrom and the Bridgeport legislative delegation are pleased to announce the approval of funding for various projects in Bridgeport. Bridgeport received over $6 million for various projects including continuing renovations to Housatonic Community College, a grant for Southwest Community Health Center and improvements to the public library. The House of Representatives also passed the mixed-martial arts and boxing bill that will help bring events to the city, and the pension bill that will save city taxpayers millions of dollars on pensions.