Rep. France, Republican Lawmakers: “Transportation Lock Box Fails to Secure Road Funds”

HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) joined fellow caucus members in voting against a Democrat-proposed resolution for a constitutional amendment to create a transportation “lock box” on a near party-line vote. He stated that it will not secure future road and bridge construction funds, and that the majority party is not truly serious about dedicating Connecticut’s already limited resources to maintenance and improvement of the state’s infrastructure.

This was the second time that the resolution for a constitutional amendment had been considered, having first been proposed during the December 2015 Special Session. See an Op-Ed published in The Day on December 10, 2015 documenting Rep. France and fellow Southeastern Connecticut lawmakers’ opposition.

Since the resolution did not receive the required 75% approval in both the House and Senate at that time, in accordance with the Connecticut Constitution, the resolution must be reconsidered in the regular session following the next general election before it may be placed on the ballot for consideration during the next general election.

“I strongly supported the Republican-proposed amendment to this resolution that would have made this a true lock box,” said Rep. France, who introduced the amendment in the House Chamber. “By defining the specific sources of revenue and allowed expenses while not allowing changes by statute, the lock box resolution, as proposed, would ensure all Special Transportation Fund revenue will be used appropriately and not swept to the General Fund as has been past practice.”

Republicans offered their own tightly constructed lock box proposal that would guarantee the money is used only for transportation projects, but it was rejected after Democrats resorted to parliamentary maneuvers to rule it out of order. Thus, the majority party avoided a vote on a true lock box by coming up with a technicality to prevent the GOP proposal from being brought to a vote on the floor.

“I believe that the resolution brought before us yesterday was the first move towards enacting electronic toll legislation, which is another issue that needs addressing,” said Rep. France, “Many of those across the state who support tolls are not aware that they could be installed all throughout the state; not just along our borders. Nobody wants the increased costs for their daily commutes to go straight into an unsecure lock box.”

Proposing the lock box amendment was a step taken by the majority party to get the matter before voters in 2018. The 2017 Regular Legislative Session adjourned at midnight on Wednesday, June 7th.