Republican state representatives Monday called for transparency after a report that state government officials were considering using pension funds in an effort to make a minority investment in the Connecticut Sun.
The state reportedly submitted a proposal which would have it enter into a limited partnership with the Mohegan Tribe. Under the proposal, the Sun would remain primarily at Mohegan Sun Arena and play some games at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. State-affiliated funding would also reportedly be used to build and finance a practice facility in Hartford for the WNBA team to lease.
WTNH-TV’s Mike Cerulli reported that one of the options being considered was a maneuver that would allow the state to invest in the Sun through the state’s multi-billion-dollar pension funds. The report cites sources that stressed details of a potential investment through pension funds were still being discussed, and that no deal has been made.
State Republican Sens. Stephen Harding, Henri Martin, Ryan Fazio, Rob Sampson and Heather Somers reacted to the report Monday.
“So Democrats are going to raid the Connecticut state government employee retirement fund to get the team to stay? Do we have that right, Gov. Lamont?” the senators said.
“We appreciate the team just like fans across the state, but this odd fiscal scheme raises multiple red flags. We need transparency, public hearings and honest debates. This involves potentially hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. Gov. Lamont: No more backroom deals. People deserve sunlight. Let the PUBLIC discussions begin.”
The state reportedly submitted the proposal last week. A request for comment was sent to Lamont’s staff.
Approval from the state legislature would likely be required before any state investment into the Sun is finalized, or before a practice facility could be built. The legislature is set to reconvene this fall for a special session.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
