During a recent public hearing regarding a proposed deal between the state of Connecticut and Jackson Laboratories Rep. Adinolfi asked questions of a legislative panel made up of members of the Commerce, Finance and Labor Committees.
Rep. Adinolfi said his main concern is the total cost to state taxpayers if the deal goes through. The proposed deal has the state bonding $291 million but over the next twenty years the actual costs to taxpayers is more than $411 million, he said. “My recommendation is that when we bring this up on Oct. 26 (during the special session on jobs) that the real figure of $411 million be there and not the $291 million, because that’s the actual cost listed to the taxpayers.”
The Jackson Laboratories proposal to open a genomic research facility in the state that they say will create 300 jobs in exchange for a state bond investment of $291 million has rankled many lawmakers who want more answers and assurances as to the viability of the program. Lawmakers were limited to one question each during a two-hour presentation of the deal.
A similar deal between the state of Florida and Jackson Laboratories recently fell through and before we’ve been given sufficient answers as to why that happened the legislature is rushing to finalize a similar deal for our state. What’s the rush and why can’t we, as elected officials, get answers to all of our questions before proceeding with this deal? Rep. Adinolfi asked.
To watch a short video of the hearing click here.
