Politics & Government
House Passes on Esty's Bid for Federal Sandy Hook Funds
Rep. Elizabeth Esty said she was "deeply disappointed" a House subcommittee did not allow an up-or-down vote on the amendment.
After a House committee refused to allow a vote on a proposal to allow Sandy Hook Elementary School to apply for federal funds for construction, Rep. Elizabeth Esty took to social media, said she was "deeply disappointed" with the decision.
"Not done trying to bring relief to Newtown and to every community that has experienced unimaginable tragedy," she wrote. "This is a cause worth fighting for."
Esty's amendment called for "an opportunity for schools to access federal funds to rebuild, renovate or repair their facilities, if that facility had its learning environment disrupted due to a violent or traumatic crisis that took place on campus and if the local education agency deems this action necessary to provide an appropriate learning environment," she said while testifying to the committee Thursday.
The amendment would have allowed Newtown to apply for the Local Competitive Grant program to serve for budget needs in cases like that Newtown has experienced since Dec. 14. Esty was joined by Connecticut Reps. Joe Courtney (CT-2), Jim Himes (CT-4), John Larson (CT-1) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-3).
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"When major tragedies strike, especially ones that cannot be predicted, there's an appropriate role for the federal government," Esty said, citing the Stafford act and SERV grants, which provide similar federal funding.
Esty offered the proposal, an amendment to the Student Success Act, alongside similar legislation introduced by Sens. Blumenthal and Murphy in the Senate.
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In June, the state of Connecticut pledged $50 million toward the rebuilding project as one of the final acts of the most recent legislative session. But Newtown residents must approve the funding through voting, with a town meeting scheduled next week to approve an initial $750,000 and a referendum for the full $50 million planned for the fall.
Speaking to Patch earlier this week, First Selectman Pat Llodra said there was "no easy answer" about what the town would do to pay for the project if voters turned down state funds. Town officials say they are trying to move the project quickly, selecting architects and construction managers later this month. Officials hope to complete the school and return students to Newtown by the 2016 school year.
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