Connecticut House Bill HB06785

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of State-owned Assets To Address The State's Pension Obligations Without Raising Taxes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6785 would enable the state to leverage its existing assets for financial gain, potentially streamlining its fiscal management approach concerning pension obligations. Proponents of the bill suggest that this method could serve as a pragmatic alternative to raising taxes or cutting public services, which are often contentious points in budget discussions. By utilizing state-owned assets effectively, the state might be able to enhance its fiscal health and maintain a more sustainable budgetary environment.

Summary

House Bill 6785 proposes a legislative framework that seeks to address Connecticut's pension obligations without the need to increase taxes. The bill outlines a strategy to create an inventory of state-owned assets that could be transferred to a real estate investment trust (REIT). This transfer is designed to generate revenue which would then be used to offset both short-term and long-term pension liabilities faced by the state. The intent is to find a financial solution that mitigates the burden on taxpayers while ensuring that the state's financial commitments to its pension system are honored.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the proposal is not without its critics. Some lawmakers and advocates may express concerns regarding the management and potential loss of public assets, fearing that privatization via a REIT could lead to diminished public control over important resources. Additionally, there may be discussions around the long-term viability of relying on asset transfers as a solution for pension funding, as it might not address the underlying issues of pension funding adequacy. The negotiations surrounding these points of contention will be crucial as the bill moves through the legislative process.