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Conn. Lawmakers Mull Constitutional 'Lockbox' For Special Transportation Funds

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Connecticut voters may get to decide whether to approve a constitutional amendment forbidding the legislature from raiding the state's Special Transportation Fund.

The intent is to preserve the fund for transportation, which is under pressure with troubles on Metro-North and the state's congested highways, the Connecticut Post reported.

For more than 10 years, the legislature has used the fuel tax and other revenue to help plug gaps in the state's budget.

The fund is used to finance debt on transportation projects.

State Rep. Tony Guerrera, who is House chairman of the Transportation Committee, said lawmakers are considering establishing a constitutional "lockbox.''

A spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says changing the constitution is unnecessary because the governor backs a halt to transfers from the fund.

A public hearing on the proposed amendment will be held on Wednesday.

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