Connecticut Senate Bill SB00191

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning State Tourism Funds.

Impact

The enactment of SB00191 would create a structured approach to how state tourism funds are requested and awarded. By mandating that applicants work with regional entities, the state seeks to consolidate efforts in promoting tourism and related sectors. The goal is to foster a more cohesive strategy across regions, thus improving the overall impact of the funds on local tourism initiatives. This could lead to enhanced economic development within regions that successfully collaborate on tourism-related activities.

Summary

SB00191, titled 'An Act Concerning State Tourism Funds', proposes amendments to the general statutes that govern the distribution of state tourism funds. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of funding by requiring organizations that seek state tourism funds to demonstrate their active engagement and collaboration with established regional entities that promote and support the arts, culture, and tourism industry. This requirement is intended to minimize duplication of services among organizations and ensure that funds are allocated more effectively towards initiatives that have regional coordination.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline the funding process, it may face some opposition from organizations that fear it could limit their ability to apply for funds independently. Critics might argue that the requirement for collaboration could disadvantage smaller or less established organizations that do not have the capacity or connections to partner with regional entities. There may also be concerns about the criteria set by the Department of Economic and Community Development in evaluating the collaborative efforts of applicants and how this might affect the distribution of funds across different communities.