Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) today helped secure Senate passage of legislation intended to help restore public trust in government by passing a state government ethics law.

            “Most elected officials and public employees are honest people who work in government out of a desire to make their state, and their communities, better. Those few who violate the public trust make it difficult for Connecticut’s law abiding citizens to have faith in government. Hopefully, this reform legislation will prove we are serious about regaining the public trust, and about insisting that all public officials adhere to high ethical standards,” said Senator Freedman, ranking member of the General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee.

            Among other things, the legislation passed by the Senate, and now subject to action by the House of Representatives:

• Permits the courts to revoke or reduce the pensions of public officials and government employees convicted of a crime related to their position.
• Makes failure to report a bribe that is offered or witnessed a Class A misdemeanor.
• Prohibits the chief of staff of any legislative caucus or the Governor’s office from soliciting campaign contributions from staff members and certain others for state or municipal election campaigns.
• Requires ethics training for newly elected officials, and refresher courses for incumbents every four years.
• Restricts future employment with state contractors for one year for state employees or officials who played significant roles in awarding state contracts.

“Permitting the courts to revoke or reduce the government pensions of public officials and public employees who violate the public trust, and making it a crime to not report a bribe that is either offered or witnessed, are the most important components of this legislation. Passing this legislation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate misbehavior on the part of our public officials and public employees,” said Senator Freedman.