Connecticut Senate Bill SB00421

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Report Pass: 3/18/16
• Refer: 3/31/16
• Report Pass: 4/6/16

Caption

An Act Concerning Community Empowerment And The Neighborhood Assistance Act.

Impact

The impact of SB00421 is significant on state laws as it requires municipalities to create designated community investment boards that will influence how municipal funds are spent. By allocating 35% of municipal revenue sharing grants and 30% of specific grants to priorities identified by these boards, the legislation ensures that local voices are considered in funding decisions. This may result in a more tailored approach to community needs, addressing urban challenges effectively while potentially changing budgetary processes at the local level.

Summary

SB00421, known as the Act Concerning Community Empowerment and the Neighborhood Assistance Act, seeks to enhance community involvement in local decision-making processes by establishing a framework for community investment boards in municipalities with populations over 100,000. These boards are composed of various stakeholders, including residents and local business owners, who will identify and prioritize community needs. The bill aims to facilitate targeted municipal revenue sharing grants that mandate a portion be allocated based on local community priorities, thus fostering a more engaged citizenry in local governance.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB00421 appears generally supportive, with proponents highlighting the potential for enhanced community engagement and empowerment. Advocates argue that by giving local communities a seat at the table, the bill can lead to better outcomes for residents. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of these boards, such as their operational effectiveness and the potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies that could arise from the additional layer of governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB00421 include the practical aspects of establishing these boards and managing community input effectively. Questions may arise around how representative these boards will be and whether their composition can truly reflect the diverse interests of the communities they serve. Additionally, there may be pushback regarding the fiscal implications for municipalities in adapting their budgeting and administrative processes to accommodate community-driven priorities, leading to discussions about potential resource allocation challenges.