CT GOP Leaders’ Statement on Staff “No Confidence” Vote in CSCU Chancellor

Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding and House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora issued the following statement regarding CT community college staff voting ‘no confidence’ in CSCU’s chancellor over his questionable spending habits.

“We commend Connecticut’s State Colleges and University System staff for courageously speaking out.

It is deeply troubling that they — not the Governor or a majority of the system’s Regents—are the ones leading the fight to correct this blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars and betrayal of students and parents.

Meanwhile, the Governor continues to stand by the outrageously paid Chancellor Cheng, whose reckless spending on chauffeur services and lavish steak dinners is an insult to hardworking Connecticut families.

Even more appalling, Chancellor Cheng pocketed $21,000 in moving expenses despite never relocating to Connecticut—yet the Governor, most Regents, and Chancellor Cheng himself have offered nothing but a feeble and inadequate response.

Restoring trust in the CSCU system must start with accountability, and that begins with Chancellor Cheng’s resignation. We call on the Governor to finally take a stand and demand new leadership.

Additionally, we urge CSCU faculty to make their voices heard during Tuesday’s Higher Education Committee public hearing.

Lawmakers will be reviewing H.B. 6887, a crucial proposal to rein in the unchecked spending of higher education executives.

Let’s pack the room, demand answers, and ensure this abuse never happens again.”