Doug McCrory

Senator McCrory Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut

Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined his Democratic colleagues in the state Senate to vote in support of a bill that will give the legislative branch of government a voice in how Connecticut will invest $2.6 billion in federal COVID-19 aid and also require Governor Ned Lamont to provide lawmakers with the details of how he has spent similar federal aid to date.

House Bill 6555, “AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS,” passed the Senate today unanimously and now heads to Gov. Lamont for his signature.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt across Connecticut, especially on our students and in communities of color. The federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan are a lifeline for families, small businesses, and schools,” said Sen. McCrory. “Even more, it is an opportunity for the state to chart a plan for how these funds can invest in and grow opportunity in communities so there is an equitable recovery throughout Connecticut. The passage of this bill ensures the communities I represent and hear from have a voice at the table on how these funds can build opportunity that will uplift them and their families.”

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was proposed by President Joe Biden and passed only with the votes of Democrats in Congress, brings a total of $6 billion in federal aid to Connecticut to be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• $1.1 billion for local school districts
• $370 million for higher education
• $1.56 billion for cities, towns, and regional organizations
• $2.6 billion for state government
• $140 million for capital projects and workforce development
• $240 million for rental assistance
• $90 million for heating and energy assistance
• $300 million for childcare services
• $50 million for mental health grants
• $11 million for home-delivered meals

The Act prohibits states, cities and towns from using the money to reduce taxes or apply it toward pension debt.

HB 6555 requires Gov. Lamont to give lawmakers a plan for investing the state portion of the new federal funds by April 26; the legislature’s Appropriations Committee then has until May 16 to create its own plan for the federal funding. The two plans will then be subject to final negotiations between legislative leaders and the executive branch.