Republicans called Tuesday for reforms of how Connecticut state lawmakers earmark tens of millions of dollars annually in grants for favored nonprofit groups with scant vetting, oversight or transparency. “There’s no application process, there’s no public hearing, there’s no statutory requirements, there’s no oversight before, during or after,” said Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott. “Essentially, it’s a closed-door process, where political connections decide who gets our money.” The news conference