The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7028 seeks to enhance the reimbursement percentages for school building project grants for municipalities that meet certain affordable housing criteria. The bill amends Section 10-285a of the general statutes by introducing a new provision that guarantees a minimum reimbursement percentage of sixty percent for towns with a population of eighty thousand or more, while the town of Cheshire is assured a minimum of fifty percent. This initiative is designed to encourage municipalities to improve their affordable housing stock alongside school infrastructure. Additionally, the bill modifies the ranking system for grant eligibility based on the adjusted equalized net grand list per capita, allowing for reimbursement percentages of up to eighty percent for new construction or replacement of school buildings starting July 1, 2024.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new criteria for municipalities to qualify for increased grant percentages based on their affordable housing stock. Municipalities recognized as "inclusive" by the Commissioner of Housing will receive a five percentage point increase in grant eligibility starting July 1, 2024. Beginning July 1, 2025, municipalities that meet specific affordable housing thresholds will be eligible for additional increases of up to twenty percent based on their affordable housing percentages. The overall goal of the bill is to align educational infrastructure funding with the promotion of affordable housing initiatives, thereby supporting both educational and community development.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-285a