(Middletown, Conn. WTIC)-Appearing before the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora(R-North Branford) touched on a number of critical issues before the legislature, including the Special Transportation Fund, the Paid Family Medical Leave Act and Tourism.
Candelora says the Special Transportation Fund needs to be balanced. He says that can be accomplished by returning to an aspect of the budget approved in 2017; transferring the sales tax from car transfers and auto parts. He says that and revenue from the gas tax will help prop up the fund. He also believes the fund needs a Transit Authority to prioritize projects. Candelora argues the Transportation Fund has become too politicized, but balancing the fund is necessary to address the state crumbling roads and bridges.
Candelora calls the state's Paid Family Medical Leave program an "unmitigated disaster", noting 40-percent of businesses and the state of Connecticut have not participated in the employee payroll deduction aspect. The fund provides access to paid leave.
Candelora also says federal Covid funds are a perfect landing spot for Connecticut's Tourism Industry. He's co-sponsored a measure where a portion of revenue from the hotel industry funds Tourism. Candelora says sadly, Tourism will be one of the last to recover because of its indoor nature.
