A local lawmaker is pushing for follow up on the alleged mismanagement of money from the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program. Newtown Representative Mitch Bolinsky says the issue came to light because of a State Auditors report.
Attorney General William Tong will take the lead role in transitioning the program, transferring the money from the United Labor Agency to another charitable organization. Bolinsky is concerned about the unilateral shift of money without additional guidance from the legislature.
He added that portions of the bill establishing the fund remain unclear and need to be addressed by the General Assembly. Bolinsky doesn't want a new fund created, but rather clarifying language in order to avoid the problems that led to the misuse of the resources in the first place. Bolinsky says the legislature needs to do its part to tighten up the existing laws and reassure the public that adequate safeguards are in place when it comes to oversight of these funds.
The state auditors are working to determine exactly how the money intended for those most greatly affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy was spent. The Chief State’s Attorney will determine if any criminal liability exists. The Chief Court Administrator has committed to assisting in any way to returning the remaining funds to the state - more than $100,000 – since it was misused by the ULA.
