Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger wants a $105.5 million budget increase for fiscal 2023 to hire more officers for what he describes as a severely understaffed department, an issue that has hampered the force since the Jan. 6 riot and slowed reopening of the campus.
Manger asked the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday for $708 million, an increase of 17.5 percent over the previous fiscal year. That would mark a $192.5 million boost from the 2021 fiscal year budget. Top appropriators signaled they are inclined to support the request.
“We are here to fund the police,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the chair of the full Appropriations Committee. The Connecticut Democrat added the department needs “more funding for staffing,” “increased overtime pay” and “most importantly a better work life balance.”
