Conn. lawmakers seek to fund gun trafficking group

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are being urged to fully fund the state task force charged with enforcing gun possession and trafficking laws, saying the money will be well-spent despite the state's budget constraints.

Newtown Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, a Republican, said he's a fiscal conservative, but believes it makes sense to fully fund the task force, which has dwindled to a single state police detective.

The legislature's Appropriations Committee heard testimony Friday on two bills that would set aside money for the task force. It was created by law in 2000 and is supposed to include both state and local police officers.

Several gun owners submitted testimony supporting both bills, saying it makes sense that lawmakers focus on stopping illegal guns. Legislators are considering numerous control measures after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.