Bipartisan Push to Increase State Mass Transit Funding

A bipartisan coalition of legislators is pushing to redirect certain state funds to mass transit initiatives.

Led by Sen. Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) and Rep. Kim Fawcett (D-Fairfield), the coalition announced that it would propose redirecting $3.9 million currently dedicated to transportation efforts in the fiscal year 2012-13 state budget to a new transportation account that would be dedicated to mass transit investment, expansion, and planning.

These dollars are currently earmarked in the state budget as unspecified, transportation-related “other expenses.”  

Joining Sen. Hartley and Rep. Fawcett in the announcement were Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton), Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton), Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-Fairfield), and Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport).

All of the legislators noted Connecticut's need for mass transit investment as a key factor in stimulating economic growth as well as improving the movement of people, goods, and services throughout the state.