Conn. Lawmakers Mull Constitutional 'Lockbox' For Special Transportation Funds
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Connecticut voters may get to decide whether to approve a constitutional amendment forbidding the legislature from raiding the state's Special Transportation Fund.
The intent is to preserve the fund for transportation, which is under pressure with troubles on Metro-North and the state's congested highways, the Connecticut Post reported.
For more than 10 years, the legislature has used the fuel tax and other revenue to help plug gaps in the state's budget.
The fund is used to finance debt on transportation projects.
State Rep. Tony Guerrera, who is House chairman of the Transportation Committee, said lawmakers are considering establishing a constitutional "lockbox.''
A spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says changing the constitution is unnecessary because the governor backs a halt to transfers from the fund.
A public hearing on the proposed amendment will be held on Wednesday.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)