Conn. lawmakers to vote on special Newtown fund

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are expected to vote on a bipartisan bill that would create a special account to help workers affected by the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said the account would be funded with charitable donations and benefit people who were "on the ground" during the Dec. 14 shooting. The affected workers have exhausted their existing benefits and lost income after taking unpaid leave to deal with mental health issues.

A lone gunman blasted his way into the school, killing 20 first-graders and six educators.

Legislative leaders are scheduled to announce details of the fund during a state Capitol news conference on Wednesday. Afterward, both the House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill, crafted by Democratic and Republican leadership.