Legislative Priorities

As state representative, Jonathan Steinberg’s top priorities have been job creation, fundamental operating and budget reform, and establishing a more progressive energy policy for Connecticut.

Transportation

Representative Steinberg has been at the forefront in efforts to fix the urgent situation with Metro North and the shoreline transportation corridor in general. As a member of the Transportation Committee, he has pushed for a comprehensive review of the State’s contract with Metro North, and more stringent oversight of the rail line operator by DOT. He has also urged DOT to address deteriorating bridges and highways, and lobbied legislative colleagues to support the sequestering of the State’s Special Transportation Fund so as to be used exclusively for transportation infrastructure investment. Jonathan has also been a consistent advocate on behalf of Westport’s Transit District and a leader in pursuing mass transit alternatives.

Energy

Jonathan remains a thought leader on energy issues, advocating for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. He has been an ardent supporter of efforts to expand community energy projects such as shared solar, so that those homeowners and businesses that can’t easily install solar on their roofs can still participate in building the state’s renewable, distributed-energy future. Steinberg has encouraged those interested in pursuing cogeneration opportunities, so as to efficiently repurpose otherwise wasted heat energy. He has supported Connecticut industries such as hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers and university research efforts which will hopefully lead to cutting-edge solutions to energy storage, grid resiliency and interactivity, and greater energy efficiency.

Fracking

Representative Steinberg’s signature effort was to enact legislation protecting the health and safety of Connecticut citizens by addressing the threats posed by fracking waste. He has helped craft bills that would either impose a moratorium on the processing, storage or disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste from other state until the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection promulgates effective regulations which close the federal loopholes, or to ban fracking waste outright. He is confident that fracking waste legislation will be passed this session.

New Technologies

As a member of the legislature’s Advanced Manufacturing Caucus, Jonathan has urged colleagues to support legislation that will enable Connecticut-based manufacturers to compete in the emerging fields of biotechnology and energy innovation, while remaining leaders in precision manufacturing. He has worked collaboratively with the Department of Economic and Community Development to promote training programs such as STEP UP and create job path initiatives which will help industry create stable, well-paying jobs for our workers.Budget

As a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Steinberg has been a consistent advocate for responsible, balanced budgets and the elimination of budget gimmicks. He is eager to be part of the solution in efforts to achieve fundamental tax reform.

Seniors

Steinberg continues to spearhead efforts to address the graying of Connecticut’s population. He has advocated on behalf of aging legislation intended to facilitate Aging in Place, as well as investments in transportation and housing alternatives to meet the needs of today’s – and tomorrow’s – seniors. He has pushed for bills which will fund nutrition programs for seniors, support the burgeoning Alzheimer’s population memory care needs, and invest in tele-monitoring and other smart technologies.