Hartford, CT – Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca (R-Woodbury) and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore John McKinney (R-Fairfield) released the following statements today in reaction to Democrat bill proposals H.B. No. 5030 and H.B. No. 5205 which seek to change state law by taking away the Governor’s exclusive authority to set the State Bond Commission agenda. 

Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca (R-Woodbury):
“The Democrats effort to dramatically change state law and weaken the office of the Governor is a power grab – pure and simple. 

“In November, Connecticut residents voted to reelect Governor Rell by an overwhelming margin.  Now, in the very first hours of this new legislative session, Connecticut Democrats are working to repeal the voters’ decision by attempting to strip the Governor of one of her most important executive powers.

“The Democrats’ admitted reason for wanting to control state bonding is so they can unabashedly fund pet projects in their own districts.  If passed, this selfish and partisan legislation would have dire consequences for Connecticut taxpayers.  I urge Speaker Amann and Senate Majority Leader Williams to immediately disavow these irresponsible bill proposals.”

Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore John McKinney (R-Fairfield):
“Americans nationwide are frustrated and angered by unjustified earmarking and pork barrel spending in Washington, and want to put an end to wasteful government spending at all levels.  This power grab on the part of Connecticut Democrats proves they do not hear this message.  The Democrats’ selfish efforts to usurp the Governor’s control over state bonding can only lead to more wasteful government spending and higher taxes for Connecticut residents.

“Worse yet, this radical change in state law would jeopardize our system of checks and balances by shifting executive powers to the legislature and weakening the office of this and future Governors.”

Link to Proposed H.B. No. 5030: http://cga.ct.gov/2007/TOB/H/2007HB-05030-R00-HB.htm

Link to Proposed H.B. No. 5205: http://cga.ct.gov/2007/TOB/H/2007HB-05205-R00-HB.htm