BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim is struggling to win support for a program to help fellow ex-convicts find jobs.

The City Council this week set aside a proposal to commit $50,000 for a program to encourage employers to hire ex-offenders.

Ganim spokesman Av Harris said Wednesday that the proposal has potential to make Bridgeport a national model and the mayor is confident he can reach an understanding with the council.

Ganim served as mayor of Connecticut's largest city for more than a decade before going to federal prison for seven years for public corruption. He mounted a comeback bid and was elected again last year.

The Connecticut Post reports that City Council members said Ganim has not provided enough details for his second-chance initiative.