Hundreds are expected to turn out to the state Capitol Wednesday for a public hearing on Gov. Ned Lamont's bill to install electronic tolls on Connecticut highways.But even those who favor tolls may not support another bill to create a transportation authority. Some think it would make state legislators less accountable when it comes to setting toll rates and deciding where toll gantries will be located.

Today, we examine what that proposal could mean for the state, and consider suggestions to securitize future toll revenues for upfront payments to address current budget concerns.

We also jump into the fray over legislation to allow bear hunting and encourage small towns to consider ways to move toward regional schools.

<p>Hundreds are expected to turn out to the state Capitol Wednesday for a public hearing on <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;bill_num=HB07202&amp;which_year=2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gov. Ned Lamont's bill </a>to install electronic tolls on Connecticut highways.</p>
<div id="div-gpt-ad-medium_2" class="ad ad-medium" data-google-query-id="CPbTyezj7eACFU2-TwodADEPAg">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/132595048/wnprnews_medium_3_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;">But even those who favor tolls may not support <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;bill_num=HB07280&amp;which_year=2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another bill</a> to create a transportation authority. Some think it would <a href="https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190304_does_connecticut_need_a_transportation_authority/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make state legislators less accountable</a> when it comes to setting toll rates and deciding where toll gantries will be located.</div>
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<p>Today, we examine what that proposal could mean for the state, and consider suggestions to securitize future toll revenues for upfront payments to address current budget concerns.</p>
<p>We also jump into the fray over legislation to <a href="https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190301_will_this_be_the_year_for_a_black_bear_hunt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allow bear hunting</a> and encourage small towns to consider ways to <a href="https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190301_hundreds_turn_out_for_regional_school_hearing_most_in_opposition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">move toward regional schools</a>.</p>

If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week.  You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

<p>If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, <em>The Wheelhouse</em> walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week.  You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.</p>

Connecticut's best journalists come out of the political trenches every Wednesday to join us on WNPR's weekly news roundtable The Wheelhouse.

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