Rep. Gregg Haddad applauds the House vote to approve an agreement with state employee bargaining units on Connecticut’s long-term pension payment obligations.

Today I joined my Appropriations Committee colleagues to approve an agreement between the executive branch and state employee bargaining units on Connecticut’s long-term pension payment obligations.

House Democrats have filed a package of ten bills, mostly focused on encouraging job growth and economic development.

Rep. Susan Johnson speaks out against a state Department of Education proposal to close vocational-technical schools to help balance the state budget. Johnson said the plan is short-sighted. View video of Rep. Johnson speaking

Rep. Henry Genga joins his colleagues in announcing that they have obtained an additional $915,000 for the East Hartford school system in the new state budget approved earlier this month. The extra funding will help the town because of its inordinate percentage of students who attend magnet schools outside of East Hartford.

With Rep. Susan Johnson giving her support, the General Assembly voted earlier this month to approve a new state budget. Deep cuts were made in overall state spending, but because of Rep. Johnson's efforts, funding for Windham was increased.

Last Friday night, the House approved the needed adjustments to the FY2017 budget that closed the deficit through spending cuts, without raising taxes, borrowing, or tapping the Rainy Day Fund. I had anticipated providing you with an update and overview, but with the state bonding bill and the Governor's Second Chance 2.0 legislation impacting the budget, I will provide an update after these bills come before us for a vote.

It's been another busy week here at the Capitol and today, the House met for a special session to discuss and vote on the budget. I will continue to update you on the details of the budget and how it effects East Hartford, South Windsor and Manchester in the upcoming week.