Rep. Lanoue Successfully Fights for Voluntown’s Upgrade to Tier One in Connecticut’s New PILOT Formula
HARTFORD- During the House of Representative’s session yesterday at the Capitol, a vote on legislation that included the Town of Voluntown to be upgraded in state PILOT funding was passed and transferred to the State Senate for an upcoming vote.
The bill, H.B. #6516, AN ACT MITIGATING ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM EMPLOYEES WORKING REMOTELY DURING COVID-19, AND CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF LIENS ON THE PROPERTY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARIES AND A THREE-TIERED GRANTS IN LIEU OF TAXES PROGRAM combined three separate pieces of legislation including a change to the formula for Connecticut’s PILOT program. In the original language of the legislation, Voluntown was in Tier two of the PILOT Formula, however, after the bill was rewritten to specifically address the town, it was elevated into the Tier one reimbursement rate from the State of Connecticut. Under this legislation, municipalities with over 50% of the property that is state owned, will be in this Tier according to this new formula.
“This is great news for Voluntown, nearly seventy percent of the town’s landmass is owned by the State of Connecticut. For far too long, Voluntown and its residents have not received their fair share in PILOT payments from the state. Yesterday, under House Bill #6516, the new PILOT Tier Formula, places Voluntown in the top tier, which is Tier one,” said State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45). “Though it’s not perfect, this goes a long way in finally recognizing how much of an asset Voluntown is to Connecticut and how they need to be compensated appropriately. I want to thank House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and Speaker Matt Ritter for working with me to get us to this point. Special acknowledgement to State Senator Heather Somers for her years of advocacy on this important issue. Also, to First Selectman Tracey Hanson who testified and lobbied the legislature and state officials to make sure we got this right.”
“The phrase ‘your voice in Hartford’ is used often by those who serve in the General Assembly, and the attention paid by Brian in the hours ahead of the vote on this complex legislation certainly exemplified that sentiment,” said House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86). “His efforts to relay Voluntown’s unique local concerns proved critical, and to see him in action was an example of just how valuable an engaged and effective state legislator can be for the communities and constituents she or he serves.”
State Representative Brian Lanoue serves the 45th District, including the towns of Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling and Voluntown.
To view Representative Lanoue’s comments in the House Chamber on Wednesday, click here.