Connecticut lawmakers have until June to decide on Governor Rell’s $1.3 billion transportation proposal, which calls for a modest gas tax increase to 31 cents and other fee increases over the next eight years. Norwalk Mayor Alex Knopp and other members of the Transportation Investment Coalition, a group that wants more transit and roadway spending, are calling on the General Assembly to raise up to $5 billion.

In the meantime, CT Transit announced public hearings will start April 12 on a proposed 20% fare increase on buses that serve eight cities. Fares would rise from $1.25 to $1.50 in the fall, the second increase in 2005 (fares went up 15 cents in January). Transit officials say insurance and gas prices have increased in recent years while ridership has remained flat. But state budget documents also suggest that state funding for the system has not kept pace with increasing costs. For hearing dates, see www.ct.gov.

The Westport Minuteman reported that at a recent business event, Speaker of the CT House James Amann said he opposed raising the gas tax, even though he thought the state need more than Rell’s proposed $1.3 billion to pay for transportation upgrades. He also said he opposed tolls. Perhaps Amann aims to somehow print money.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities wants Governor Rell to increase municipal aid. While educational aid would rise in the 2006-2007 proposal, the Conference says Rell's budget reduces non-education aid by 4%. Budget documents indicate town aid road grants will receive a flat $20 million each year.

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