Newtown Delegation Applauds State Bond Commission Approval of Funds for Sandy Hook School Construction Project

HARTFORD – Today, the State Bond Commission authorized $340,601,879 in general obligation bonds, including $36 million for the Town of Newtown to finance the construction of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The town’s legislative delegation – state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), state Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), J.P. Sredzinski (R-112), and Dan Carter (R-2) – applauded the announcement.

“I am pleased to see the State follow through on its commitment to our community,” Sen. Hwang said. “Today’s vote reinforces that commitment and reminds us all that our road to recovery is one we will continue to travel on together.”

Rep. Bolinsky said, “My thanks to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the bond commission for their continuing support for this important project. Releasing the construction-phase dollars to keep the New Sandy Hook Elementary School on its fast-track to completion is another milestone in our community’s healing.”

“We all realize this has been a lengthy journey, one that is far from over,” Rep. Sredzinski said. “Funding the construction of this new facility will bring the community one step closer down the path of healing and I am pleased the State of Connecticut is fulfilling its promise.”

Rep. Carter said, “These funds mean a great deal to our constituents, who have long been concerned about this project and how it will affect their children’s education. This is the start of a new beginning for our district.”

With today’s bond authorization, the total general obligation bonds that will have been allocated during the first five months of the year (plus the automatic allocations that take place on July 1st) will be $1.821 billion. This is just $145.8 million below the total amount allocated in the last calendar year ($1.97 billion).

“As responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and especially given our current and projected fiscal climate, it is imperative that we weigh every dollar spent against its expected return on investment,” Sen. Hwang said. “Our state residents and businesses cannot afford to shoulder higher tax burdens and we must not tolerate wasteful spending, government inefficiencies, nor can we afford to have the credit card mentality continually perpetuated at the State Capitol. Yet when it comes to the education of our children and ensuring they have a safe and healthy learning environment, that’s an investment worth making.”

For a full list of items included in the bond authorization package, please see the State Bond Commission’s agenda at this link: http://www.ct.gov/opm/lib/opm/Agenda_May11_2015.pdf.