CASE: Transportation Lockbox Fails to Lock

HARTFORD – State Representative Jay Case (R-63) voted in strong opposition to a House Resolution that would implement a lockbox on the Special Transpiration Fund (STF).

“This is a false lockbox because it does not effectively lock-in the funds that are funneled to it. The reality is, a similar measure was considered in December of 2015. That very day, the majority party swept $35 million from the fund, for services and programs that were not related to transportation projects, to close a prior deficit,” explained Rep. Case.

Under current law, the STF is designed to fund state highway and public transportation projects. According to Case the STF has historically been raided by previous legislatures in order to fill budget gaps, which has only expedited the disrepair of many Connecticut roads and bridges in the Northwest Corner.

“In light of the budget shortfall, I am supportive of dedicating certain dollars to be earmarked for transportation projects. I have hosted the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation in my district to show him how critical the funding is to some of these projects. However, I cannot support a measure, which amends the Constitution of Connecticut and clearly has false intent,” concluded Case.

The House Resolution was passed on a party-line vote. It must be acted upon by the Senate prior to midnight tomorrow to continue in the legislative process.

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