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House approves emergency package to award $3 million to nonprofits amid federal funding concerns; amendment to redirect funds for heating and food fails
Summary
The House passed an emergency-certified bill (amended) providing $3 million to nonprofit organizations that legislators said are facing federal funding cuts or heightened threats. A proposed amendment to reallocate the funds to heating and nutrition programs failed on the floor.
The Connecticut House on March 5 approved emergency-certified Bill 1453 (as amended by Senate Schedule A, LCO 5976) to provide $3 million in one-time assistance to a set of nonprofit organizations identified in the amendment as serving populations believed to be at risk of losing federal support.
Representative Gilchrist, moving the bill, told colleagues the measure responds to groups "under attack" in the current federal climate — a phrase that House debate interpreted broadly to include organizations serving refugees and immigrants, LGBTQ people, and reproductive-health providers.
Floor debate was contentious. Several members questioned the selection process for recipients and whether an open, competitive process should determine grants. Representative Nuccio pressed repeatedly about how the list was compiled and whether recipient organizations had actually lost federal funds; the bill's proponent said legislators and staff had been contacted by organizations and leadership assembled the list. Critics also singled out Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, which had previously received a $500,000 appropriation, and questioned giving it another $800,000 absent documented short-term needs.
Rep. Case offered a House amendment (LCO 5998, House amendment schedule A) that would have redirected the $3 million to home-heating assistance ($250,000) and nutrition assistance ($2.75 million). That amendment failed by roll call, 47 in favor and 98 opposed. Supporters of the underlying bill said emergency assistance was needed now because some organizations already have seen or expect federal funding reductions; opponents said the state should prioritize direct help for people currently facing hunger and energy insecurity.
On final passage the amended bill carried 92 yeas, 51 nays, 7 not voting. The House message indicated concurrence with the Senate amendment; the bill passed the House in concurrence with the Senate.
Votes at a glance SB 1453 (as amended by Senate Schedule A / LCO 5976): Passed in concurrence — roll call 92 yes, 51 no, 7 absent. House amendment schedule A (LCO 5998) to reallocate funds to heating and nutrition: Failed — 47 yes, 98 no.
Context Proponents said the funding is intended as short-term emergency assistance for organizations they said face cutbacks or heightened risk due to federal policy changes. Opponents argued for prioritizing direct aid for Connecticut residents who lack food or heating rather than funding organizations chosen without an open application process.
