Senate Republican Leadership hopes that the third time is the charm as they once again formally ask the chairmen of the Legislative Management Committee to place on the committee’s next meeting agenda a discussion of the operation of and rules governing legislative committees.

“As elected officials we are charged with the responsibility of protecting the legislative process, but unfortunately the majority party is turning a blind eye to an abuse of the system.  The majority party has the votes, the chairmanships and the power - they should not have to usurp the process to get what they want,” said Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca (R-32).

 Senator DeLuca, a ranking member of  the committee, Senate President John McKinney, (R-28), and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Judith G. Freedman (R-26), also committee members, noted that this is the third time that at least one Republican Senator has asked the Legislative Management Committee, in writing, to address these concerns. This week, all three submitted a letter to the committee co-chairmen, Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams, (D-29), and Speaker of the House James Amann (D-118).

Their letter reads in part: “Over the last several weeks, the rules of the Appropriations Committee have changed during meetings, apparently on the whim of the chairs, but not based on any existing legislative procedures and precedents. This may also be true of other committees, particularly on the issue of germaneness when amendments are being considered. This has made many of the committee members skeptical as to what is and what is not appropriate committee procedure.  An atmosphere of distrust in the process is being created and is unhealthy. The legislature is the body that makes the laws, but it appears we are undermining the democratic process by not assuring committees operate in an orderly manner, based on consistent rules.”

“We have a legislative process in place that is meant to protect the people of Connecticut from abuses of power on the part of the General Assembly.  If we fail to uphold our own rules, we run the danger of effectively disenfranchising the electorate and concentrating the power of the General Assembly into the hands of a few legislative leaders.  That is unacceptable, and something I believe the people will rightfully be disturbed by,” said Senator McKinney.

 “Earlier this month, the chairmen of the committee declined to take up my request for a discussion because it was not on the agenda – but they gave me their word they would address our concerns about the way legislative committees are being run. By once again requesting a formal discussion by the Legislative Management Committee, we are holding them to this promise. We absolutely need clear rules governing the legislative committee process, rules that everyone understands and follows – regardless of which political party has the most votes,” said Senator Freedman.

Contact Information:                                                                                
Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca                                                 
and
Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore John McKinney
860-240-8806
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Judith G. Freedman860-240-0531 (Hartford); 203-226-8710 (Home)

Brett Cody, Press Contact for Senators DeLuca and McKinney/ 860-240-8806
Catherine Sarault, Press Contact for Senator Freedman/860-240-8818