House Republican Press Release

July 6, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DelGobbo Cosponsors Measure to Limit Government Eminent Domain Powers

Calls for Special Session to Protect Property Rights

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo,R-70^th, Naugatuck, was the first to cosponsor legislation introduced by House Republican Leader Robert M. Ward, R-86, Northford, to limit the power of government to take people’s property for private development.

Rep. DelGobbo also called for a special legislative session this summer to limit the state’s eminent domain laws that have been used to seize private property and turn it over to developers who then profit from economic development projects.

Since a June 23 U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding New London’s taking of individuals’ homes, Rep. DelGobbo has been fighting vigorously to change Connecticut state law to help protect property owners.

By a 5-4 margin, the high court ruled the state’s eminent domain laws were constitutional but invited Connecticut to limit them if it wanted.

“Private property rights are at the heart of the American political system,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “Government should be able to take people’s homes, only in very limited cases. The Connecticut legislature needs to take action now to limit this awesome power of government to take property for private developers.”

House Republicans are co-sponsoring legislation that they want to introduce in a special session either later this month or in early August when the legislature is mandated to return to the Capitol to take up matters that were vetoed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell during the regular session.

Rep. DelGobbo The proposal deletes from existing state law six lines that currently permit development agencies to seize property for economic development. Local and state governments could still exercise eminent domain to deal with truly blighted properties that pose health or safety hazards or for public works projects including schools, roads and other infrastructure improvements.

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.