Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) voted today – as she has in the past – for legislation that would have protected Connecticut homeowners from the threat of losing their property to eminent domain for economic development purposes. The legislation, proposed as an amendment, was defeated along a mostly party-line vote.

“The Democrat majority claim that the reassurance Connecticut homeowners desperately want is on the way because we will be voting on a bill in the near future, and therefore do not need the very comprehensive, very well-crafted legislation proposed today as a Republican amendment. However, keeping in mind that we have only a few days left in the legislative session, we should have acted today,” said Senator Freedman.

Senator Freedman, noting that the legislative session ends at midnight May 3rd, said she is concerned for Connecticut homeowners who fear the possibility of losing their homes to eminent domain in the aftermath of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision.

“Sadly, even the best bills sometimes get lost in the confusion of the last days and hours of the legislative session. It would be a shame if that happened now, especially when we could have voted today to protect Connecticut homeowners,” said Senator Freedman.

“As I have said before, I strongly believe that eminent domain is a tool to be used in only the most extraordinary circumstances. Like the many, many constituents who have contacted me regarding this issue, I do not believe that taking property by eminent domain for economic development is something that our state laws should permit. To that end, I believe that we need to have a state law that acknowledges our respect for private property rights. The Republican amendment defeated today would have done just that,” said Senator Freedman.