HARTFORD — Today, Connecticut House and Senate Republicans criticized the Lamont administration and legislative Democrats for fostering a culture of ethical lapses in state government, pointing to a troubling pattern of scandals and mismanagement. Citing controversies ranging from excessive spending in higher education to a canceled audit and misuse of government resources, Republicans called for an expansion in the authority of the state’s Inspector General to ensure adequate accountability among state employees and their managers.

“The people of Connecticut deserve a government that operates with integrity, but time and time again, we’re seeing ethical failures called 'small ball' and brushed aside with little or no consequence,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86). “From irresponsible spending within the CSCU system to the Department of Social Services abandoning a crucial audit, there’s a disturbing trend of mismanagement and outright abuse of taxpayer dollars. We've got a culture of corruption here. Connecticut residents shouldn’t have to wonder whether their government is looking out for them or just looking out for itself, he said.”

Among the controversies highlighted by CT Republicans on Thursday:

• CSCU Spending Scandal: CSCU President Terrence Cheng and other leaders faced scrutiny for reckless spending while students endured tuition hikes and the system claimed funding shortages. Cheng remains employed.
• DSS Audit Cancellation (Diamantis/Ziogas case): Serious transparency and accountability concerns tied to the case of Kosta Diamantis and former Democrat Rep. Christopher Ziogas and questions involving an audit canceled on the watch of Former DSS Commissioner and current OHS Commissioner Deidre Gifford.
• Social Equity Council Grants: Questions remain concerning the fairness and transparency of grant allocations to community organizations.

Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) stated the need for immediate action to restore citizens' waning faith in state government.

"It’s shocking that the Governor and Democrats have remained largely silent as state government ethics goes sideways. Their inaction and failure to speak out forcefully only emboldens those who believe they can bend rules and norms for personal or political gain," Harding said. "We cannot rely on state agencies to police themselves. It’s time for real accountability—starting with expanding the Inspector General’s authority to investigate misconduct, especially at the highest levels of government. Connecticut needs a truly independent watchdog with real power to uncover wrongdoing and hold officials accountable."

Republicans say the Inspector General should have broader investigative authority, ensuring that no official—regardless of political affiliation or position—is shielded from scrutiny. The proposed expanded responsibilities include:

• Expand Inspector General (“IG”) responsibilities to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in the expenditure or use of state resources
• Review of Auditors’ reports on Agencies and investigate findings of fraud, waste, and abuse
• Intake complaints, including from whistleblowers
• Intake referrals from the Auditors and state agencies
• Refer cases to state/federal authorities
• Recommend policies to limit fraud/waste
• Review/make recommendations on legislation
• Submit reports to the General Assembly annually starting in 2026
• Seek civil recovery of funds

 “The message from state government should be clear: misconduct will not be tolerated,” Candelora and Harding said. “Unfortunately, the silence from the Lamont administration and do-nothing Democrats in the legislature has been deafening."