S 3255Funding & Budget

Making an Appropriation of $991,000 for the Town of Middletown

Appropriates $991,000 to the town of Middletown to upgrade a middle/high school gymnasium into a regional emergency shelter.

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Introduced May 5, 2026Committee Senate Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a state appropriation of $991,000 from the general treasury to the town of Middletown for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is specifically allocated to upgrade the gymnasium at the newly constructed Middletown middle high school so that it can serve as a regional emergency shelter.

By directing these funds toward local infrastructure, the state aims to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster resilience for the region. The upgraded facility will provide a safe, centralized haven for residents during severe weather events, power outages, or other crises that require community sheltering.

The resolution directs the state controller to draw orders upon the general treasurer to pay the appropriated sum. The funds will be disbursed upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, ensuring that the money is used specifically for the designated gymnasium upgrades and emergency shelter preparations.

For younger readers

This bill gives $991,000 to the town of Middletown. The money will be used to fix up a school gym so it can be used as a safe shelter for people during emergencies like big storms.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Middletown residentsResidents of surrounding regional townsMiddletown public school students and staffEmergency management personnel

Impacted communities

Middletown

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. The legislature has the standard constitutional authority to appropriate funds from the state treasury for public purposes.

Estimated cost

$991,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Enhances public safety and emergency preparedness for local communities.
Ensures vulnerable populations have a safe, reliable place to go during climate-related emergencies or natural disasters.
Provides necessary state support to municipalities for critical infrastructure improvements.
Directs a large sum of money to a specific town rather than distributing emergency funds statewide based on an equity or need-based formula.
May divert general funds from other pressing social safety net programs.

For Conservatives

Improves local disaster readiness and community resilience.
Leverages existing infrastructure (a school gym) rather than building a completely new facility, representing an efficient use of resources.
Provides a tangible, physical public safety benefit to taxpayers.
Increases state spending by nearly $1 million.
Represents a legislative earmark for a single municipality rather than utilizing a competitive grant process.
Shifts the financial burden of local town infrastructure projects onto state taxpayers.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of $991,000 for the town of Middletown to upgrade the gymnasium at the new Middletown middle high school to serve as a regional emergency shelter; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $991,0 FOR THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN *** This resolution authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $991,000 for the town of Middletown to upgrade the gymnasium at the new Middletown middle high school to serve a regional emergency shelter.