PBS, NPR and local perspective for western Mass.

Connecticut Diverted $3.7B In General Funds To Cover Transportation, Analysis Shows

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Bob Child

Since 2003 Connecticut’s Special Transportation Fund has been shored up by diverting $3.7 billion from the state’s General Fund. That’s the finding of an analysis just released by Governor Ned Lamont’s budget office.

According to the analysis, money was diverted from funds that could have been used for municipalities, education and social services.

Governor spokesperson Max Reiss says the analysis contradicts claims that the Special Transportation Fund is running out of money because it’s been raided to cover general expenses.

“We need to make sure that every single penny is being used for transportation expenses, and that’s where they are supposed to go, while also making sure our municipalities, our educational institutions, and our social services are protected.”   

The analysis was released to bolster Lamont’s proposal for a truck-only highway toll to help pay for his $19 billion 10-year transportation plan. Lawmakers expect to take action on it in special session before the end of the month.

Copyright 2020 WSHU

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
As WSHU Public Radio’s award-winning senior political reporter, Ebong Udoma draws on his extensive tenure to delve deep into state politics during a major election year. In addition to providing long-form reports and features for WSHU, he regularly contributes spot news to NPR, and has worked at the NPR National News Desk as part of NPR’s diversity initiative.