A Letter to Governor Rell Regarding the Citizen’s Election Fund

Honorable M. Jodi Rell
Governor
State of Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Dear Governor Rell:

We are in receipt of your letter of August 3, 2010, regarding the Citizens’ Election Program.

All of us agree that it is important to protect the spirit and integrity of the landmark legislation we passed and you signed in 2005. We passed legislation last week protecting the program, just two weeks after the Second Circuit Court’s decision and days after the expiration of the two week period to request an en banc hearing before the Court. Unfortunately, you vetoed that legislation, forcing us to return in the days ahead.

We remain in special session pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution No. 48 adopted on May 5, 2010, and have indicated our intention to resolve the issue before us. The Senate intends to vote on the matter on August 5, and due to members’ availability the House will vote on August 13. We are advised by the Attorney General’s office that this will be adequate time to resolve the issue.

It is unnecessary to call us into special session, as both chambers are scheduled to vote on the matter. I understand that for you to call us in there would be an additional cost to the state of nearly $10,000 to serve members by state marshals, state police, or constables, which is not needed.

We are reviewing your proposal and others, and hope to work with you to give the people of Connecticut campaign finance reform they desire.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Williams, Jr., Senate President Pro Tem
Christopher G. Donovan, Speaker of the House