House Republican Press Release

October 11, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Legislature to Take Up Eminent Domain Reform

Rep. DelGobbo Urges Prompt Action to Protect Property Rights

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, Rp-70th, Naugatuck, today said he is pleased that the legislative majority is finally preparing to address the issue of protecting property rights that have been called into question after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a New London case.

Rep. DelGobbo has been a leader in efforts to substantially restrict the power of government to take private property through eminent domain. Rep. DelGobbo had previously signed a petition for the legislature to take up the issue this fall in special session.

The state House of Representatives today called itself into special session to consider the eminent domain issue, as well as campaign finance reform, relief from home heating costs and other issues.

“I am pleased that the legislative majority is finally taking up the issue of eminent domain,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “As representatives of the people, we should act on this issue as soon as possible.”

Rep. DelGobbo and Republican colleagues voted for a measure to restrict eminent domain powers on June 28, but majority Democrats voted it down.  The measure was defeated along party lines by a vote of  50 -  82.

The issues arises from a June 23 U.S. Supreme Court decision by a 5-4 vote that authorized the City of New London to acquire private homes by eminent domain to allow development of a hotel and conference center.

“This is America,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “There should be significant restrictions on the awesome power of the government to take someone’s property.”

He added, “There is a distinction between taking property for a public purpose such as a school and taking someone’s house to turn it over to a developer.”

Rep. DelGobbo urged, “This is our opportunity for the voice of the people to speak. We should institute these restrictions on government’s right to take homes by eminent domain. It is a needed a check on government’s powers in this state.”

The Supreme Court ruled that state law allows the taking of property for economic development projects, but said the Connecticut legislature also has the power to change the law. The New London case has generated controversy throughout the state concerning the protection of property rights.