Report by Paula Antolini
January 8, 2017 11:01AM EDT
Photo: Rep. Stephen Harding being sworn in 2017.
Rep. Harding Sworn In to Second Term – Will Serve as Ranking Member of Environment Committee
January 4, 2017 – HARTFORD — State Representative Stephen Harding (R-107) joined fellow legislative lawmakers for opening day of the 2017 Legislative Session at the State Capitol. The Opening Ceremony and Joint Convention that heard Governor Malloy’s “State of the State Address” marked the beginning of Rep. Harding’s second two-year term.
“I am so proud to have the opportunity to serve the great towns of Brookfield, Bethel and Danbury for a second term,” said Rep. Harding. “I am ready and eager to get to work and look forward to advocating for all my constituents back home.”
This “long” session allows for bills on a variety of issues to be introduced, debated and voted on in committees and legislative chambers. Most importantly, the General Assembly will be facing a significant budget shortfall entering the 2017 Legislative Session. The projected budget deficit for the biennial budget, covering 2018 through 2020, is approximately $3.5 billion.
Rep. Harding will be working tirelessly to make sure our state government implements the structural changes necessary to create a far more fiscally responsible environment in Hartford.
Rep. Harding will continue to serve on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Judiciary Committees. Newly this term, however, he has been appointed to work as the Ranking Member of the Environment Committee. This group oversees all matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection – including conservation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control – as well all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture, such as farming, dairy products and domestic animals. He is excited to oversee important legislation regarding Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah.
Rep. Harding can be reached at Stephen.Harding@housegop.ct.gov or 800-842-1423. Constituents can follow his legislative endeavors by logging onto www.repharding.com or connecting with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repharding. Rep. Harding encourages his constituents to follow committee meetings and House debates as they unfold live on Connecticut’s public affairs television network, CT-N, or by streaming the proceedings online by visiting www.ctn.state.ct.us. As always, please feel free to contact him anytime with any issues or concerns you may have.
The session will adjourn at midnight on June 7th.
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Rep. Harding represents the 107th district of Brookfield, Bethel and Danbury.