Ethics and State Government

Public office is a public trust. During the past decade, that public trust has been betrayed time and again by elected officials and state employees who believed they were above the law. Yesterday I testified before the Government Administration and Elections Committee about the Senate Republican Caucus’ ethics agenda.

We have proposed creating a Bipartisan Standing Committee on Ethics; giving judges the power to revoke or reduce the pensions of corrupt public officials and state employees; establishing a criminal penalty for elected officials who fail to report a bribe; requiring ethics training for state elected and appointed officials and state employees; establishing new restrictions for state officials who lobby legislators; and prohibiting legislators from serving as municipal chief elected officials.

At the start of the legislative session, I presented this agenda to Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams and I am encouraged by the broad bipartisan support most of our proposals have received.

The General Assembly faces several important challenges this legislative session as we work to improve public safety, increase access to quality affordable health care, and help Connecticut residents cope with rising energy costs and a slowing economy. But, in order for state government to achieve its goals in any of these areas, it is vital we take the steps necessary to restore trust and public confidence in our elected officials.