House Republican Press Release

February 21, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Cafero Proposes State Funding for Lost Handicapped Access Money

HARTFORD – State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. of Norwalk today said the state should replace  more than $500,000 in lost federal funding with state resources to pay for federally mandated handicapped accesses in Norwalk and door-to-door services.

Because of changes in federal guidelines the Norwalk Transit District stands to lose that amount of federal money beginning in July of 2007. The federal government combined the Stamford and Bridgeport designated metropolitan areas into a single designation, thereby eliminating funds specifically targeted for the Norwalk district.

Cafero has filed legislation to make up for the lost of federal funds in the 2006-07 state budget.

“Because of ‘red tape’ bureaucracy in Washington the people who rely on the Norwalk Transit District to provide much needed services will be adversely affected,’’ said Cafero, the Deputy House Leader. “Just because the federal government has retreated from its responsibilities does not mean that the state can act irresponsibly. Those most vulnerable who have difficulty getting around must be taken care of.’’

Cafero noted that the state Department of Transportation took similar action to make up for the loss of federal money to pay for federally mandated services in Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven in recent years.