Sen. Cicarella, CT Republicans Call Out Ethical Lapses in State Government, Push for Stronger Accountability Measures

HARTFORD – Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), member of the Government Oversight Committee, yesterday joined Republican leaders to criticize 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.

“We have repeatedly witnessed major ethical lapses that were trivialized as ‘small ball’ and dismissed without serious consequences. Reckless spending, missing or ignoring essential audits, and questionable awards of public dollars are all red flags that must be addressed,” said Sen. Cicarella.

Among the controversies highlighted by Sen. Cicarella and Republicans:

• 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.

“How much longer can this continue? The simple answer is that it will certainly continue if we allow it to. We must empower an independent Inspector General to hold bad actors accountable with real consequences,” he added.

Sen. Cicarella and 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