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Connecticut must improve its train lines, despite its budget problems, says state Rep. Gail Lavielle, a Republican who represents part of Wilton and Norwalk.
Mass transit improvements are essential to southwestern Connecticut, which Lavielle called a "key economic engine" for the state.
"Businesses can't run and families can't survive if people can't go to work," Lavielle said during the South Western Regional Planning Association's annual legislative meeting. Lavielle has researched and worked for rail improvements as a member of the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission.
She also addressed the issue of unfunded mandates from the state, which can cost thousands or even millions of dollars for towns to implement. To help remove this burden from the towns, Lavielle proposed a bill that would force unfunded mandates to have the support of two-thirds of General Assembly to pass.
The bill was introduced Jan. 13 and awaiting a public hearing before a vote can be taken. No date has been announced for a public hearing.
SWRPA consists of 20 volunteer representatives from Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. The organization gives municipal leaders the opportunity to speak with their state and federal representatives on pressing issues. Lavielle is in her first term in the General Assembly. She also serves on Wilton's Board of Finance.
What improvements would you make to Connecticut's trains? How would those changes improve your commute? Let us know your thoughts below.
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