State Senator Stephen Harding
State Senator Stephen Harding
Senate Minority Leader
Stephen Harding, named Senate Minority Leader in 2024, represents Connecticut’s 30th Senate District. He was first elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving four terms in the 107th House District. A lawyer and Brookfield resident for nearly 30 years, Senator Harding has been involved with local boards and is a coach for youth sports. He serves as Ranking Member of the Environment Committee and Legislative Management Committee. He is also a member on the Education, Finance, and Judiciary Committees.
This morning, Sen. Harding joined host Gary Byron on The Talk of Connecticut to discuss a proposed 11% electricity rate hike from one of Connecticut’s largest utility companies. The hardworking people in our state are already stretched thin. They shouldn’t have to worry about keeping the lights on.
During the 2026 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans put forward a proposal to eliminate Public Benefits Charges from your electric bill and lower electricity rates, but it was voted down on party lines. Connecticut residents deserve better. Listen to the interview to hear more.
Brookfield lost a true community hero this week. Glenn Martone dedicated many years of his life to the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, serving as chief, president, and board member. He was someone who showed up, every single time, no matter the hour or the circumstances, for the people of this community. Glenn embodied what it truly means to serve.
To his wife, children, family and friends, and the entire Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I extend my deepest condolences to all of you.
Connecticut’s farmers need our support now!
Back in January, I stood alongside farmers from across our state at a press conference, hosted a Farmers Forum with my colleagues, and met with local farmers from the Northwest Corner to hear directly from the hardworking men and women who grow our food. The message was clear: Connecticut was failing its farmers, and we fought to change that.
I’m proud to share that legislation providing millions in dairy-related tax credits and grants, and a dedicated working group for the long-term future of dairy farming, has now passed both the House and the Senate.
“This is a strong first step for providing the necessary relief that these hard-working men and women deserve. For far too long, the farmers in this state have been forgotten. We do not eat, we do not survive without them.” (CT Insider)
I urge Governor Lamont to sign this bill. Connecticut’s dairy farmers have fed this state for generations. It’s time we support them in return.