Appropriations Committee Regulation and Protection State Agency Presentations on the Governor’s FY27 Proposed Budget Adjustments [Source] Translate

The meeting began with the Commissioner providing an overview of the agency's budget and operations, highlighting responsibilities beyond state police, including homeland security and various grants. A representative raised concerns about delays in grant funding for fire departments, particularly a PFAS grant for foam cleanup, emphasizing the need for better communication regarding unspent funds. The CFO mentioned that the proposed budget includes moving grant funds into a segregated account for better tracking. The Commissioner acknowledged the pressures on volunteer fire companies and the impact of supply chain issues on grant timelines. Discussion then shifted to a crisis grant program, currently operational in two troops, with plans for full expansion by July 1, emphasizing collaboration with mental health services for officers. A representative inquired about the agency's vehicle fleet, revealing approximately 1,800 vehicles, mostly leased, with many exceeding 150,000 miles. The Commissioner discussed budget allocation for refreshing the fleet to address rising lease costs. Concerns were raised about the agency's justice information system, with a need for maintenance and modernization acknowledged by the Commissioner. A representative asked about adding a deputy commissioner for administrative services, which the Commissioner supported for better management. The importance of a cadet program for recruitment was also discussed, with a desire for future funding. A representative highlighted the need for an eastern Connecticut security initiative to enhance emergency preparedness, which the Commissioner agreed to lead. The meeting included discussions on emergency management, state police operations, and infrastructure challenges due to cold weather. A senator raised concerns about shortages of materials for winter maintenance and the impact of aging infrastructure on water main breaks. Representative Walker questioned the centralization of technology systems within the Department of Administrative Services and requested a breakdown of costs for the Shooting Task Force. Updates on the training curriculum for state police were provided, including partnerships with educational institutions to engage high school students in law enforcement careers. Representative Nuccio raised questions about overtime costs for state troopers, with the Commissioner explaining that a significant portion is reimbursable. The handling of reimbursements from towns for the resident trooper program was clarified. Further discussions included the cadet program's estimated costs, fleet replacement needs, and staffing vacancies within the Connecticut State Police, which reported approximately 250 vacancies. Brian Caffarelli, Commissioner of Consumer Protection, provided an overview of the Department's mission and budget needs, acknowledging the need for a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Tanya Hughes, Executive Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, presented her agency's budget needs, requesting additional positions and funding for litigation and translation services. The discussion included clarifications on budget allocations, with a focus on the urgent need for resources to meet growing demands. Key points included a proposed increase for translation services due to rising costs, confusion over the funding status of a case management system, and the need for further analysis from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. The meeting concluded with a request to set up a working group for the shooting task force and the Workers' Compensation Commission, and plans to reconvene for a public hearing later.