| Senator Rob Kane (R-32) has promised
to continue fighting to pass his proposed municipal accountability
legislation this year despite the Appropriations Committee’s
recent rejection of the bill.
“I am disappointed that the Appropriations Committee
rejected the municipal accountability bill on a tie
vote, but there are still a few weeks left in the legislative
session and I will spend that time working to convince
legislators to support my bill,” said Senator
Kane, a member of the Appropriations Committee.
The Appropriations Committee defeated SB 374, An Act
Concerning Financial And Management Audits Of Municipalities,
on a 25 to 25 tie vote on April 11th. The legislature’s
Planning & Development Committee had approved the
bill earlier, and it was referred to the Appropriations
Committee for further consideration.
Specifically, the legislation would permit state auditors
to audit the books and accounts of municipalities with
populations exceeding 75,000 persons (as of the most
recent 10-year census) that receive more than 35 percent
of their annual operating funds from the state. Audit
reports would include any recommendations to operate
the municipalities more efficiently or improve their
financial conditions. Currently, Bridgeport, Hartford,
New Haven and Waterbury meet the criteria outlined in
the bill.
“We are still negotiating a budget adjustment
bill, and I believe there is room to include the municipal
accountability bill in those discussions. This is something
I will be discussing with legislators over the next
few weeks,” said Senator Kane.
Senator Kane once again emphasized his belief that
Connecticut residents have the right to believe that
their tax dollars are being spent both wisely and efficiently.
“As I have said before, it is not unreasonable
to believe that municipalities that depend heavily on
state funds could benefit from the advice of the state’s
financial experts. And it is reasonable to believe that
the state’s taxpayers would welcome legislation
that provides for accountability,” said Senator
Kane.
Senator Kane was elected to represent the 32nd Senatorial
District in a January 15th special election. His district
includes the communities of Bethlehem, Bridgewater,
Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston,
Watertown and Woodbury.
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