Sen. Lesser on the Passing of Former Governor Jodi Rell

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, issued a statement on the passing of former Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell.

“I am sad to hear of the passing of former Governor Jodi Rell. As a freshman state representative, I was able to serve during her administration. She did so much to rebuild public trust in government after the scandals of John Rowland.

Governor Rell enacted the CEP, the nation’s most successful public campaign financing plan to help reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics; she championed a health insurance public option, the Charter Oak Health Plan, prior to passage of the Affordable Care Act. Rell also reformed the Medicaid program, helping drive out managed care – a change fully implemented under her successor, Governor Malloy.

Governor Rell was charming, moderate and pragmatic – a Republican who raised taxes on the wealthy. She had personal integrity, and also knew how to say no to the loudest and angriest voices in her party in order to represent the needs of Connecticut. My sincere condolences to her family.”