Marilyn Moore

State Senator Moore Representative Borer Pass $3.5 Billion Bond Bill with Bipartisan Support

State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) and state Representative Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven), Co-Chairs of the Bonding Subcommittee, passed the bonding package for the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 out of committee on Wednesday, April 21 with bipartisan support. This bill allocates $1.86 billion of net effective authorizations for FY 22 and $1.74 billion in FY 23, while remaining below both the bonding cap and the annual threshold. This is a proposal that reflects combined priorities for a bipartisan consensus.

“The bond bill that we passed has equity and is considerate of the projects that require our immediate attention,” said Sen. Moore. “One of those areas is the creation of a commission on gun violence and prevention. This bonding package assigns the financial resources our cities need to address the gun violence pandemic that we are experiencing.”

“Now is the time to set the bar high in combatting the economic distresses that have taken plagued nearly every aspect of our communities,” said Rep. Borer. “Investing in our cities, pipelines for employment, healthcare, non-profits, small businesses, security, and our environment, will successfully combat what has been a devastating and destructive period in all of our lives. I’m proud to be part of the leadership team that led this bipartisan package out of the Finance committee, as every aspect of this package represents opportunities for our communities.”

The bond bill takes into account the infrastructure package released by our federal delegation and the allocation of those funds. This consideration will provide the flexibility for matching grants to ensure the federal funds are used wisely. The Bonding Subcommittee bill also includes adjustments in consideration of Governor Lamont’s bill, which aims to focus on healthcare, to support our community agencies and non-profits, to provide for economic development through a fundamental platform for revenue growth, and to increase job growth.

As a result of the lowest interest rates Connecticut has seen in decades, and the anticipated federal funds, the State will take this opportunity to invest the following critical initiatives:

• School construction with COVID-related adjustments;
• School security;
• Operational infrastructure for state security and safety through DESP;
• Economic Development through STEAP and Urban Act Funds;
• Funding for harbor dredging;
• Support for our state universities and community colleges;
• House of worship and non-profit security grants;
• Funding for body cameras;
• Support for our cultural organizations;
• Manufacturing pipeline;
• Small business express grants;
• Commission on Gun Violence and Prevention; and
• Support for the Housing Trust Fund.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new category for healthcare non-profits such as community health centers, mental health facilities and substance abuse treatment facilities.

“Providing more focus on healthcare in our communities, support for our community agencies including our non-profits and a further commitment to Economic Development which provides a fundamental platform for revenue growth and creates jobs and tax based for our cities,” said Rep. Borer.

The bill also calls for a statutory change to the process for bond fund allocation. Currently, both the Governor and Legislature determine the authorizations, yet only the Governor can place items on the Bonding Commission agenda for allocation. This bond bill calls for a joint decision-making process to ensure the appropriate leaders take part determining the Bonding Commission’s agenda.

The Bonding Subcommittee chairs commend ranking leaders Senator Tony Hwang (R-Easton/Fairfield/Newtown/Weston/Westport) and Representative John Piscopo (R-Burlington/Harwinton/Litchfield/Thomaston) for their partnership in this bipartisan effort.

For specific allocations, please see the pdf attachments.