Local Legislator Pushes For COVID Relief

Press release from CGA:

March 24, 2021

In a move to strongly advocate for Milford and Orange, State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-119) has co-sponsored a bill proposal that would provide legislative oversight on any relief funds provided to Connecticut by the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

According to the proposal, HB-6555, An Act Concerning Legislative Oversight and Approval of COVID-19 Relief Funds, the governor shall provide his recommended allocations to the General Assembly for their modifications and/or approval prior to their dispersal. Additionally, the bill’s language requires that any future COVID-19 funds provided by the federal government follow the same process.

Rep. Kennedy, along her House Republican colleagues have been pressing to have a seat back at the table as a co-equal branch of government to address the issues around the pandemic including decisions related to schools, businesses, and public health.

"This bill declares the full legislature will have a say in how, why, and when this money is spent," said Rep. Kennedy. "We need to make sure Milford and Orange receive their fair share of the Covid relief funds. Thousands of residents and hundreds of local businesses suffered during the pandemic and I want to make sure my district gets some economic relief."

Connecticut is expected to receive $2.6 billion in state relief as part of the American Rescue Plan. Funds provided through the federal government must be used for things like assisting small businesses, schools, and other areas impacted as a direct result of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of the bill. The bill now moves to the State Senate for further action.

This press release was produced by CGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.