House Republican Press Release

April 14, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FLOREN: SUPPORTS ETHICS REFORM PACKAGE

HARTFORD – Rep. Livvy R. Floren (R-149), along with other House Republicans, today pushed lawmakers to approve swift passage of these rules to govern the conduct of elected leaders and thousands of union and non-union state employees. Republicans said those imbued with the public’s trust must abide by the stricter ethics laws.

Rep. Floren, who is a member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said: “The residents of Connecticut need to confidence in their state government and their elected officials. This proposal is a bi-partisan list of common sense ethics initiatives the legislature should pass immediately.”

Floren said the proposal they are presenting reflects the outcomes of the Republican-Democratic working group this spring.  Highlights of the proposals include:

• Pension revocation for elected officials, state and municipal employees upon conviction of a crime related to their employment. Republicans would call upon the attorney general to petition the court for the legal action;
• Failure to report a bribe would become a Class A Misdemeanor if the public servant witnesses the offer;
• Chiefs of staff in the Capitol would be barred from soliciting campaign contributions from staff members for state or municipal elections;
• Mandatory ethics training for newly elected officials and refresher courses for incumbents every four years;
• Restricts future employment with state contractors for one year for a state employee or official who played a significant role in awarding a state contract.