House Republican Press Release

April 15, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HETHERINGTON SUPPORTS ETHICS REFORM

HARTFORD – Rep. John Hetherington (R-125), 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. Hetherington, who is the lead Republican on the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said: “The residents of Connecticut need to have 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.”

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

• Elected officials, as well as state and municipal employees would lose their pensions upon conviction of a crime related to their employment;
• Failure by a public official or employee to report witnessing a bribe would become a Class A Misdemeanor;
• Chiefs of staff in the Capitol would be barred from soliciting campaign contributions from staff members;
• Ethics training would be required for newly elected officials as well as refresher courses for incumbents every four years;
• Employment with state contractors would be barred for one year for a state employee or official who played a significant role in awarding a state contract.

Rep. Hetherington represents most of New Canaan and a part of Wilton.