Harding notes constituents have 'hope, optimism' for the future

By Scott Benjamin

BROOKFIELD -- State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107) says social distancing and protective measures have helped stem the rise of Coronavirus cases in Brookfield, "which early on had some of the highest rates per capita in the state."

"That was probably due to our proximity to New York," he said, referring to the state with the highest number of cases in America during the pandemic.

The state representative said the rate has increased less rapidly in recent days. For example, there were 121 cases reported as of April 24. That number had increased by just six cases, for a grand total of 127, on April 29.

Harding, who was initially elected in February 2015, said that as he travels through Brookfield he sees "that everyone understands the importance of wearing masks and social distancing."

He said that he is "heartened" by "the incredible compassion" that residents have demonstrated toward their neighbors.

"As was the case with the macroburst two years ago, we have seen the best in people and the best in businesses, many of which have donated toward the food pantry for needy families," said Harding in a phone interview.

On April 24, Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn said there had been a 500 percent increase in requests from the food pantry since the pandemic started in mid-March.

Harding said that despite the strain of staying at home for long intervals, "There is hope and optimism" about the future.

Regarding the fiscal impact, even after appropriating nearly $3 trillion in stimulus, he said the federal government must do more.

"States and municipalities will need more assistance," Harding explained. "Another stimulus is necessary."

During a news availability at Chuck's Steak House in Danbury in October 2008, then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-Brookfield) said with the downturn that had begun weeks earlier with the financial crisis and the onset of a recession, states most notably need more funds for unemployment compensation and Medicaid coverage when there are dire fiscal circumstances.

Harding said, "The many businesses that have been closed and the individuals that have been laid off have reached the point where they have been devastated. Government is going to have to consider getting them back on their feet."

"The movie theaters and restaurants are absolutely a concern, particularly as the pandemic continues," he said.

"At some of the restaurants there does seem to be some take-out business, but I think there still is a revenue decline," said Harding. "Some of the restaurants have no revenue."

He said he believes once the pandemic ceases "customers will come back" to the entertainment and retail outlets.

Harding - whose district includes all of Brookfield, the Stony Hill section of Bethel and a slice of northern Danbury - said that throughout the pandemic he has been working on constituent requests while in phone and e-mail contact with his legislative aide, who also is assigned to other members in the House Republican caucus.

He said that "some small business loans have not yet been approved" from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for local companies. The initial PPP funds were signed into law as part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act on March 27 and further PPP funding was approved on April 23.

Harding said, "As is the case with any bureaucracy, there have been delays."

The state representative said he expects that the General Assembly will meet in special session in the late summer or early fall to address "the deficits we may be facing."

CT Mirror reported on April 30 that some analysts believe that the state rainy day fund, which had been at nearly $2.5 billion at the onset of the pandemic, may be depleted within a year.

Harding applauded Gov. Ned Lamont 's (D-Greenwich) performance over the last seven weeks.

"He has done well," he said. "He's using health experts, which is good."

State House Republican Leader Themis Klarides of Derby said on WNHH Radio in New Haven on April 30 that different parts of the Connecticut economy may reopen at different times.

"We need to see a plan of what it looks like," she said regarding the work of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group.

Harding said, "I think it would help if they provide more information and the path to reopening and how they are making their decisions. I also hope that legislators can play a role in the reopening of the state."