Connecticut coalition grading state ARRA action

By: Kim Hynes, senior organizer, Connecticut Common Cause

Common Cause in Connecticut has convened a coalition of advocacy groups in order to monitor the disbursement of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). We are developing a report card which will evaluate the transparency of the state's decision making process in prioritizing and distributing the funds, if the funds are going to those with the highest need, whether the funds are going toward projects that bring jobs to Connecticut, if deadlines are being met, and if the funds are going out in a timely manner. In addition, we have created a summary of priority areas that will be shared with the public. Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell, has created the Connecticut Recovery Working Group to help administer funds, and the Connecticut Recovery Act and Transparency Accountability Board to help oversee compliance with ARRA. Common Cause in Connecticut and coalition partners are communicating with these two groups to ensure that we have the information necessary to adequately track the stimulus funds and to ensure accountability. Members of the Connecticut coalition group include the Connecticut Voices for Children, Connecticut Citizens' Action Group, and 1000 Friends of Connecticut.