Senator McCrory Issues Statement on DECD Audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association

Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, made the following statement Thursday in response to the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Wednesday release of an audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA).

“The Department of Economic and Community Development’s audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association and subsequent reporting by members of the media has raised questions related to state oversight of public funds provided to community nonprofits. Although I engaged in no wrongdoing, I was mentioned in the audit because I was involved in advocating at the Legislature for resources for organizations within my district, including BHСА, and some of the organizations that received funds were criticized in the audit. Having reviewed the audit, I want to share my perspective on some of its findings.

“First, the DECD audit makes clear that stronger oversight is needed to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively. I agree with this goal and will be supportive of reasonable measures to achieve it.

“At the same time, I also feel strongly that we need to recognize that nonprofit organizations are essential partners in our communities, delivering youth programs, job training, housing assistance, and other critical services that families in my district and across Connecticut rely on every day.

“Therefore, while Connecticut should seek to strengthen oversight for public funds, it must do so carefully and fairly, without creating unnecessary red tape that blocks resources from reaching residents that need them the most.”