Rep. Haines Supports Bill to Provide Legislative Oversight of COVID-19 Relief Funds

HARTFORD – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) has co-sponsored a bill proposal that would provide legislative oversight on any relief funds provided to Connecticut by the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

HB-6555, An Act Concerning Legislative Oversight and Approval of COVID-19 Relief Funds, would require the governor to provide his recommended allocations to the General Assembly for their modifications and/or approval prior to their dispersal. The bill’s language also requires that any future COVID-19 funds provided by the federal government follow the same process.

“While the initial vote to extend the governor’s emergency powers at the beginning of the pandemic was the right move, we are well past the point where the legislature should have been included in making decisions about the pandemic,” Rep. Haines said. “It is our job as the legislature to represent those who elect us to office. We as the minority party have been pushing to amend the governor’s powers and be included in discussions about them. This legislation is a promising step on the path towards re-establishing the legislative and executive branches as co-equal branches of government, and certainty that our communities have a voice. I am proud to support it and look forward to its passage in the Senate.”

Connecticut is expected to receive $2.6 billion in state relief as part of the American Rescue Plan. Funds provided through the federal government must be used for things like assisting small businesses, schools, and other areas impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of the bill. It will now move onto the Senate for further action.