Rep Bronko Votes in Support of Bill to Boost Transparency and Accountability in Public Universities and Colleges

HARTFORD – Rep. Seth Bronko, the Ranking Member of the Higher Education Committee, voted recently in support of a bill that would boost transparency and accountability in Connecticut’s state college and university system.

Rep. Bronko, R-Naugatuck, voted during a meeting of the Higher Education Committee to advance H.B. 6887, which tightens the procedures for spending, including clear limits on purchases, accountability for misuse, a Connecticut residency requirement for executive positions, including the school’s president, and uniform training for staff, as well as an audit procedure for tracking the spending of public money.

The push to support the legislation follows news reports detailing the actions by Chancellor Terrence Cheng, head of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, who allegedly spent state funds on chauffeur services, $21,000 on moving expenses, alcohol and steak dinners, among other expenditures.

“The public is outraged at the misuse abuse of taxpayer dollars by public employees, and we knew we had to take action to put controls in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” Rep. Bronko said. “Public trust needs to be restored and university employees, no matter who they are, need to be held to account when they are using public funds. This will have my full support when it comes to the House floor.”

The bill received unanimous support during a recent committee meeting and now awaits passage from the House and Senate. Rep. Bronko will also be available for interviews upon request.

Rep. Bronko can be contacted at Seth.Bronko@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow his legislative activity by visiting his website, www.cthousegop.com/Bronko or on Facebook here.