Ackert Opposes Lockbox, Deficit Mitigation Plan in Special Session

Posted on December 10, 2015

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HARTFORD – During Tuesday’s Special Session, State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) voted against a measure that would begin the process of creating a Constitutional Transportation Lockbox and a plan proposed by the Majority to adjust the state budget. Session was called after deficits of $552 million in FY2017 and $3.5 billion in the out years were realized.

“It is unfortunate that we even need to be having this conversation,” Rep. Ackert said of the Lockbox. “We know how much money in the Special Transportation Fund (STF) – we should be able to properly fund our transportation projects without a constitutional requirement.”

“I would be inclined to support a bill that would actually protect the STF,” he added, “but not only does this bill fail to define what transportation includes, it doesn’t prohibit money from being diverted before it enters the Fund. It is our job to make sure that designated revenues go to this fund, but I do not think this bill guarantees that.”

An amendment, proposed by Minority Republicans, would have closed some of the holes in this bill and given the courts standing to allow for legal challenges if the lockbox is raided. Ackert supported the amendment, which failed 76-63. The measure ultimately passed on a simple majority, which means that a new legislature must take it up again in 2017.

The Deficit Mitigation Plan was brought up after it was voted out of the Senate. The Plan included $350 million in cuts to various agencies including $30 million to already struggling hospitals. However, there were no efforts by the Majority to change state employee contracts and benefits, or create a Constitutional Spending Cap.

“A $3.5 billion deficit is not something you can ignore,” Rep. Ackert said. “And we can’t ignore that we are doing isn’t working. It is time to make the long-term, structural changes necessary to finally balance our budget and get our state on the right track.”

Republicans proposed several ways that these changes could be made, including:

  • Mandatory approval by the General Assembly of state contracts
  • Implement a constitutional spending cap
  • Beginning in 2022 require state workers to pay more into their pensions and for healthcare
  • Enact a constitutional lock box for transportation
  • Competitively bid the Corrections Department healthcare plan

The Plan passed 75-65 with all Republicans voting in opposition.

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