Steven Stafstrom

Bridgeport is expected to save tens of millions of dollars over the next several years after it was recently able to restructure a portion of its unfunded pension liabilities. Through House Bill 7296, Bridgeport was given the statutory authority to issue bonds to pay off more than $83 million in unfunded pension liabilities into the Connecticut Municipal Employee Retirement System.

During the 2017 legislative session, we implemented structural reforms that will not only help Connecticut steady its financial footing, but will also help spur economic development and restore millions of dollars to municipalities, our schools and core state services. As vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the Planning and Development Committee, we were also able to pass legislation that helps Bridgeport, improves our judicial system and protects some of our most vulnerable citizens. I am proud to share information about some of these new laws with you.

The Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs named state Rep. Steve Stafstrom as its 2017 Legislative Champion. Stafstrom was awarded for his commitment to the local community.

Following the legislature’s approval of technical revisions to the bipartisan budget passed last month, older and disabled renters are slated to receive their state refund checks under the Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program.

Connecticut families, currently on the wait-list, can start enrolling in the Care 4 Kids program, the state’s primary child care support program. Care 4 Kids helps low- to moderate-income families in Connecticut pay for child-care costs.

Under the bipartisan $41.3 billion state budget passed Oct. 26, a pilot program will be established for the development and construction of a combined heat and power facility that will provide waste heat for a thermal heating loop in downtown Bridgeport.

After months of negotiations, Democrats and Republicans have overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan budget that steadies Connecticut's financial footing, spurs economic development, and restores millions of dollars to municipalities, our schools and core state services.

After the state House of Representatives met Oct. 3 to consider overriding the veto of the GOP-backed budget, the Republicans refused to call the question for a vote. Now, it is time for us to work together and compromise with the governor and the Republicans to reach a bipartisan agreement on a final budget. To move Connecticut forward, we need to adopt a spending package that invests in our workforce, makes long-term structural changes, and provides municipalities with additional budget flexibility.