FUND WOULD HELP HOMEOWNERS WITH CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Hartford — While legislators still don’t have a deal on a new state budget, one key senator says there’s agreement on creating a new fund to help thousands of homeowners whose concrete foundations are crumbling because of a naturally occurring chemical reaction. Democratic Sen. Cathy Osten, of Sprague, a co-chair of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee, said she’s hoping that about $60 million will be set aside.

“We have committed to having a fund in the budget on crumbling concrete. That piece will happen,” Osten said. “If we can get a budget through, this can get settled this year.”

Lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on a new two-year state budget. They did not pass a plan before the fiscal year ended June 30. Democratic House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz has said he hopes a deal can be reached before the end of July.