March 31, 2025

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HARTFORD, CT – Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, R-Prospect, joined her colleagues recently for a press conference calling for the expansion of the powers of the Inspector General to provide oversight to government, stop waste and hold bad actors accountable.

Connecticut has made headlines for the wrong reasons—cost overruns, misuse of state vehicles, and even abuse of funds by the head of the Connecticut State College & University system. Connecticut Republicans have called for the expansion to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately and that state employees and their managers are held accountable.

Among the controversies highlighted during the recent press conference:

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

Connecticut Republicans have proposed reviewing agency reports, investigating fraud, protecting whistleblowers, and even seeking restitution when taxpayer funds are misused.

The proposals also include:

Review Auditors’ reports on Agencies and investigate findings of waste, fraud and abuse of state resources
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
Possible authority to seek restitution (Mass. Model)

Accountability within our government shouldn’t be optional and that’s why Connecticut Republicans will continue to push for these reforms this legislative session.

Rep. Zupkus Honored with Champion of Open Government Award

HARTFORD – State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89th) has been recognized by the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information with its prestigious Champion of Open Government Award, presented during the Council’s annual awards ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Hartford Club. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding Connecticut’s Freedom of […]

September 10, 2025

Rep. Zupkus to Hold Office Hours in Bethany

BETHANY – Residents are invited to in-district office hours with State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Corner Restaurant (756 Amity Rd., Bethany). The office hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This event is an opportunity to meet for casual conversation and talk with Rep. Zupkus about any […]

September 3, 2025