We can celebrate the passage of legislation in the recently concluded session, some after years of effort while I am disappointed that certain bills would have to start over next year.

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.

The state budget approved on Monday night provides an increase in ECS funding for Ansonia and Derby’s education systems.

A small percentage of the state budget goes to programs serving inner-city youths to keep them from getting involved in activities that may put them on the road to failure or worse. However, even though they have minimal impact on the budget, these programs are often the target for budget cuts. Here are my House Floor Comments related to the budget and these programs.

Programs that provide services to kids and youths to give them options and keep them off the streets and out of trouble are indispensable for Bridgeport and other cities. I am living proof of the importance of these programs. During the budget debate there were conversations minimizing the importance of these programs and calling it “wasted money.” Here are my comments in response to that sentiment.

The House of Representatives and Senate passed a budget this week which is responsible, stable, and funds the Rainy Day Fund at historic levels. The budget makes significant investments in education, job growth, and economic development while holding the line on spending. The growth rate for fixed costs in the General Fund is 1.3% and for non-fixed costs is simply 0.03%.

I am pleased to report the House passed legislation that will facilitate minority teacher recruitment and retention across the state.

The state budget approved last night provides a net increase in funding for Bethel’s education system. The new budget includes more than $89,000 additional funding for Bethel’s schools and a $126,000 expenditure increase for Bethel’s Teacher Retirement Fund, an expense that was previously stated to be absorbed by the town.