Harding Hears From Constituents Who Can't Pay Their Monthly Bills

State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107) says the rebate checks and other individual assistance fromthe $2.2 trillion federal CARES Act has "helped some individuals" - yet he has "spoken to many constituents who haven't been able to make mortgage or rent payments" during the pandemic.

"Many people have lost their jobs," he lamented.

The national unemployment rate is 14.7 percent. The Connecticut figures will be disclosed on May 21, and Patch.com reported that veteran economist Donald Klepper-Smith projects the April job losses will exceed 200,000. The state had recaptured 102,800 jobs since the 2008 Great Recession.

A Quinnipiac University Poll reported that 46 percent of Connecticut residents surveyed indicated that they are facing some sort of financial hardship.

"So many individuals are in need and need to make necessary payments," said Harding of Brookfield. "Some may not be eligible" for government assistance.

Additionally, he said that as recently as the week of May 3, he had spoken to businesses that had not secured loans from the Paycheck Protection Program that was initially approved by Republican President Donald Trump and Congress on March 27.

Harding said there has been "a huge strain" in Brookfield, Bethel and Danbury - the three municipalities that he represents - as well as "across the state" to keep the food pantries fully stocked.

Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn has reported that as of May 17 the town had collected $42,000 in contributions for the Brookfield Recovers fund to help the needy.

The other encouraging news is that in a prepared statement to constituents, Dunn wrote, "New infections have plateaued" in town.

Harding said he is comfortable with the first phase recommendations from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group - appointed by Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Greenwich) - in which on May 20 restaurants will be allowed to have outdoor dining, and hair salons and barber shops., retail stores and malls, as well as outdoor museums and zoos can be back in business.

"It has been put together on the advise of health care professionals," he explained.

However, in a prepared statement distributed to his constituents, Harding expressed dismay with the state's no-bid contract to pay $2 million to have the Boston Consulting Group advise Connecticut on its reopening of businesses.

"We should expect better from our government," Harding wrote. It should be "inclusive and transparent."

Harding said in phone interview that he is pleased with the public's regular use of face masks and social distancing.

"Everyone has taken this seriously" he remarked.

Fox News media analyst Howard Kurtz wrote in April that the success of reopening America is "up to the people."

He stated that on the day before many states stopped allowing restaurant indoor dining, sales at restaurants in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Cincinnati and New York City dropped more than half from the same date a year earlier. He wrote that was based on what people had learned about the pandemic regardless of what government had mandated.

Kurtz added that The Dispatch reported: "Most people just aren't going to start piling into movie theaters and restaurants again until they're confident they won't be bringing a superbug back home with them."

Harding said, "Folks I talk to have concerns."

"There will be some caution," he said regarding going to dine in at a restaurant.

"However, once there is more confidence, I think there are people who will be excited about getting back to their activities," added Harding.

On another topic, The New York Times has reported as the skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan have emptied and employees have worked from home there may be changes in business real estate, since some of them may continue to work from home after the pandemic ends.

Harding said the current circumstances "may" change some of the commercial real estate in Connecticut.

"Maybe people will work from their homes and not make the commute," he said.

CT Mirror reported on May 1 that the state had a projected $7 billion budget gap for the next three years.

Harding said that "we are in a crisis" and that when the General Assembly convenes in special session - probably in late June or early July - he believes that action should be taken "in a bipartisan fashion."

He said that given the current circumstances, there is even a better chance than usual of reaching a consensus.

"[Legislators] will remember what is important," Harding explained. "They will remember that we have to do what is best for our constituents."

Will taxes need to be increased?

"It would be very difficult for me to support any tax increase," said Harding. "People were overburdened with taxes before the crisis."