Norwalk's Perone To Take Lead Role On Transportation Issues

From Norwalk CT: Assistant House Majority Leader Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) has been assigned by Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) to take a lead role on transportation issues for the House Democrats.

In addition to his leadership role in the House majority caucus, Perone has been named chair of the Appropriations Committee’s Transportation subcommittee. He will also serve as chair of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee’s subcommittee on Transportation Bonding.

“Improving all aspects of our transportation infrastructure is critical to encouraging economic growth, and is a top priority of the business community throughout the state,” Speaker Aresimowicz said. “Representative Perone serves a district where transportation challenges impact thousands of residents every day. Combined with Chris’ previous experience as chair of the Commerce Committee, he is the perfect choice to be our transportation specialist and assess how it affects our economy.”

Within the Appropriations Committee, Perone will be responsible for putting together the state budget for the Department of Transportation. As Transportation Bonding chair, he will oversee capital funding and help set priorities for transportation infrastructure projects including roads, bridges and rails.

"I'm honored to be tasked with overseeing the capital funding of our state's transportation and infrastructure projects," Rep. Perone said. "Centralizing the leadership of both subcommittees into one position will help to better coordinate transportation bond requests, the Special Transportation Fund and other related fiscal policy issues so critical to improving and upgrading our state's transportation infrastructure."

Aresimowicz said a priority for Perone will be to ensure all transportation dollars are being used as efficiently as possible. This includes assessing and prioritizing projects based on their economic impact on a region. “Our DOT does quality work from snowplowing to building bridges, but there needs to be a more independent analysis as to how projects are prioritized and budgeted,” he said.

Long time House Chair of the legislature’s Transportation Committee Tony Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill/Wethersfield/Newington) will continue in that position, and is pleased that Perone’s assignment will bring additional focus to a critical issue.

“Chris Perone is a proven advocate for transportation,” Rep. Guerrera said. “He is committed to improving Connecticut’s ancient transportation infrastructure and inadequate mass transit system. His knowledge of the issues is second-to-none. I look forward working very closely with Chris this legislative session.”

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