Appropriations Committee Appropriations Committee Meeting [Source] Translate

The committee meeting for appropriations convened on February 20th at 11 a.m. Representatives Walker, Nuccio, and Summers were present, with Summers joining online later. The committee reviewed several bills, including: 1. Proposed Senate Bill concerning funding for school-based mental health services in rural areas, submitted by Senator Harding. 2. Proposed Senate Bill 20, which aims to increase the per diem rate for members of the State Board of Labor Relations from $150 to $300, introduced by Senator Perrello. 3. Proposed House Bill 5144, concerning funding for school meals, which aims to provide free breakfasts and lunches to eligible students, supported by over 80 signatures from both sides of the aisle. 4. Proposed House Bill 5172, concerning funding for the installation and maintenance of radar speed signs on Forest Road in New Haven, introduced by Representative Dillon. 5. Proposed House Bill 5202, which seeks to appropriate $1.5 million for emergency housing programs, supported by multiple representatives. Representative Walker moved to raise all bills for subject matter public hearing, which was seconded by Representative Nuccio. After a brief discussion, the motion passed via voice vote. The committee also discussed raised bill concepts, including topics such as teachers' disability and retirement benefits, compensation for victims of unlawful funeral services, a study of unidentified aerial phenomena, and a job program for access to food, housing, and healthcare benefits. Representative Walker moved to accept all raised bill concepts, which was seconded by Representative Nuccio and passed by voice vote. Attendance was recorded for members joining by phone, and the meeting was recessed until agency briefings began at 1 p.m. Members confirmed their attendance throughout the meeting.