State Senator Gayle Slossberg
March 17, 2008
Slossberg Leads General Assembly in First Step Toward Meaningful Ethics Reform
Opposes measure that would harm Connecticut's neediest residents
State Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford), Senate chair of the General Assembly's Government Administration & Elections Committee, today led the committee in approving legislation to significantly enhance ethical regulations in the state of Connecticut.
From pension revocation to expanded ethics codes, the legislation approved by the committee today constitutes a broad range of ethics reforms.
"The people of Connecticut place their trust in the elected officials of this state, and far too often they feel that trust has been violated," said Senator Slossberg. "This package offers comprehensive reform designed to encourage the highest standard in ethical conduct. I look forward to continuing to work on this ethics package and to shepherding this important piece of legislation as it progresses during the remainder of the session."
Senator Slossberg opposed legislation that would have put Connecticut's neediest residents at risk while attempting to reduce conflicts of interest among Connecticut's registered lobbyists by banning them from serving on all state boards and commissions.
"I fully and completely support addressing real conflicts of interest, but I cannot support proposed language that did not receive the benefit of a public hearing and that would harm a large segment of our needy population," Senator Slossberg said. "As written, senior citizens, indigent individuals and families, victims of domestic violence, children who have suffered abuse, people living with developmental disabilities and scores of other disadvantaged Connecticut residents would be without an advocate on the state level. There would be no one to represent their interests and to offer them a voice. I do, however, look forward to working with my colleagues to find ways to solve the real conflicts that exist to the detriment of our government and the people of this state."
The legislation approved today included:
- Creation of a bipartisan Legislative Ethics Committee that will investigate complaints against members of the General Assembly and recommend disciplinary action where applicable
- Creation of a Legislative Code of Conduct
- Mandatory ethics training for each member of the General Assembly, administered by the Office of State Ethics
- Pension revocation for officials who are convicted or plead guilty to any crime related to their office in state or federal court, retroactive to January 1, 1998, at the discretion of the Superior Court
- Expansion of conflict of interest provisions in the code of ethics for public officials
- Creation of the Class A misdemeanor of failure to report bribery
The legislation-Substitute Senate Bill 333-now moves to the Senate floor for action.
The 2008 regular legislative session adjourns on May 7.
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