Governor Lamont Applauds Committee Approval of Earmark Reform Bill

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut General Assembly's Government Oversight Committee for voting today in favor of legislation he introduced that will establish policies and procedures regarding how legislatively directed funds - commonly known as "earmarks" - are proposed, reviewed, and distributed in order to provide the public with greater transparency and accountability.

"Over the past year, Connecticut residents have rightly asked for greater transparency and accountability regarding earmarks, and this legislation increases these standards and establishes clear guidelines on their use," Governor Lamont said. "When taxpayer dollars are set aside for specific entities outside of a competitive or formula-based process, the public deserves to know how and why those decisions are made, what standards apply, and what oversight mechanisms are in place. I applaud today's vote by the Government Oversight Committee and I urge both chambers of the legislature to approve this bill so that I can sign it into law."

Under the governor's proposal, whenever the General Assembly approves earmarks, the identity of the recipient organization, a description of the purpose of the funding, and a determination on whether the funding can be directed to a sub awardee must be specified in the legislation. Additionally, the proposal requires the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to establish uniform policies on the administration of these funds for state agencies to ensure appropriate use and administration. OPM will also be required to publish reports of these funds on its website.

The legislation is House Bill 5039, An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislatively Directed Funds.

The Government Oversight Committee approved the bill by a unanimous vote.