Gov. Lamont Press Conference Based on False Claims

Lamont “Debt-Diet” and Republican “Prioritize Progress” Include Same Level of Funding for School Construction

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s press conference at a school in Waterbury today in which he claimed school construction projects would be crowded out from bonding under a Republican proposal which includes the same level of school construction bonding as proposed in the governor’s own bonding plan.

“I understand the governor is desperate to pass tolls and therefore wants to attack every alternative proposal out there. But to have an entire press conference based on a claim that is completely false is beyond the pale,” said Sen. Fasano. “When you are chosen to lead the state, you also take on the obligation to be forthright about the facts, even if those facts are contrary to your position. Either Gov. Lamont truly does not understand the Republicans’ transportation proposals, or he is purposely trying to mislead the public and legislators to garner votes. Any allegations the governor makes today about the Republican proposal and school construction would equally apply to his own proposal. ”

The Republican “Prioritize Progress” proposal works within the state’s new bonding caps to reduce bonding for wants and ensure bonding is used for needs. It provides $500 million annually in General Obligation bonding for school construction. Gov. Lamont’s “debt diet” also includes $500 million for school construction. The legislature’s bonding subcommittee also recommended $500 million for school construction. Moreover, the new Republican long-term transportation plan released yesterday also makes available over $325 million under the bonding caps, in addition to a $100 million gubernatorial contingency, which all could be used to fund additional needs that arise, including school construction. Therefore, the Republican proposal would actually offer greater flexibility and potential funding for schools than the governor’s proposal.