The Connecticut General Assembly has given final legislative approval to a $220 million agreement that will keep Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in the state to produce a new line of heavy cargo helicopters.The bill cleared the House of Representatives Wednesday by a vote of 136-6. Earlier in the day, it passed the Senate 35-1.
Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy's administration reached the deal with Sikorsky and its new owner, Lockheed Martin. Malloy is expected to sign the bill into law. He says the agreement will keep the company’s headquarters in Stratford through at least 2032 where it will retain and grow about 8,000 jobs. According to Malloy’s office, Sikorsky has pledged to nearly double its spending of $350 million per year among in-state suppliers.
House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a Republican, says she supports the deal with "a heavy heart." She says the state shouldn't have to chase after businesses.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
