HARTFORD - Two of the three state lawmakers who represent Newtown in the General Assembly testified February 23 before Connecticut's Veterans' Affairs Committee on a bill that they say will provide more financial stability to the Newtown-based Second Company Governor's Horse Guard.

At a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, the committee heard from Reps Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and J.P. Sredzinski (R-112) on House Bill 5358, An Act Concerning the Leasing of Military Facilities.

The legislation will allow the state's two Horse Guard units to lease surplus stall space at these expansive facilities and subsequently use this revenue to offset costs associated with supporting their own herds.

"This bill represents a unique opportunity and is truly revolutionary because, as shown by financial analysis, the passing of this bill will permit these special facilities to become financially self-sustaining and vibrant assets that will actually contribute new revenue back to the State of Connecticut," said Rep Bolinsky during the hearing.

"At the same time, the bill is written to assure these proud facilities will remain primarily dedicated to their intended military purpose and operated with the dignity they have always demonstrated," he said. "I tip my hat to the forward thinking of the adjutant general, his command staff and the Horse Guard commandants, especially our own, retired Major Gordon Johnson, for advancing this exciting business model."

"In recent years, funding has been a major issue for the Horse Guards due to a struggling state economy and less resources to go around at the state level," Rep Sredzinski added. "As a result, alternate forms of sustaining their organizations have been necessary."

Rep Sredzinski said one of the ideas has been to make available for private lease the military facilities located at the Horse Guard stables.

"Since many of these stables are left empty, it would make good sense to lease them out to private citizens at a cost which would offset the revenue needed by the Horse Guard," he said.

The bill is expected to be voted on by committee members. If it is voted out of committee, it will then be sent to the House and Senate floors where it will need to pass by a majority vote to then travel to the governor's desk for his signature.