Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) today voted against legislation that would jeopardize the ability of private social service agencies to continue providing much needed services to Connecticut's neediest citizens.

The legislation, adopted during a special legislative session today, is now pending action by the House of Representatives.

"This is being presented to Connecticut residents as legislation that is absolutely necessary to reform the state's contracting process. No one disputes that we should make whatever changes we need to ensure that everything about the state's contracting process is above board. But we do not have to - nor should we - make it impossible for the state's private providers to continue caring for the state's disabled citizens," said Senator Freedman.

Senator Freedman voted in favor of a Republican amendment that called for stripping the bill of language that could make it difficult for private providers to contract with the state. However, that amendment failed.

"It is really a shame that the Senate saw fit to pass legislation that is supposed to reform the way the state does business but could very well end up hurting a lot of people, including those who work for private social service providers and the people they care for," said Senator Freedman.