Republican Senate leaders aired proposals Wednesday morning that include making major transportation investments over the next three decades, providing incentives for defense manufacturers and cutting costs in state government.
Flanked by GOP brass at the state Capitol’s Legislative Office Building, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) outlined a previously pitched funding plan that would earmark $65 billion for transportation infrastructure projects over the next 30 years.
Billed as “Prioritize Progress,” Republican officials said the revised long-term transportation plan does not rely on highway tolls or a tax increase, and would provide steady funding for projects under the state’s bond cap.
The plan has been proposed, and revised, annually by Republican leaders since 2015.
“It protects bonding for core needs such as school construction and clean water, at the same time it prioritizes transportation investments,” according to an agenda summary provided by Senate Republicans. “Instead of using additional bonding for pet projects and political handouts, this plan requires that all bonding above and beyond the state’s core investment needs must go toward transportation infrastructure projects.”
Their proposals surface amid Democratic leaders recent backing of legislation that would legalize paid family and medical leave, a $15-per-hour state minimum wage, sports betting, recreational marijuana and other measures.
On Wednesday, Republican leaders detailed S.B. 108, which would create incentives for local Pentagon contractors that use services provided by in-state subcontractors and businesses. The “Buy Connecticut” program would provide sales tax exemptions and research and development tax credits to participating contractors.
The GOP also pitched privatizing certain state agency services through public-private partnerships.
S.B. 291 would create a public-private advisory council to allow commissioners of several agencies — including the state Department of Social Services; Department of Developmental Services; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; and Department of Children and Families — to outsource human services.
Under H.B. 5782, the state would mandate that the state Department of Motor Vehicles enter into agreements with contractors to advance existing privatized services.
