CT Senate GOP Statement on Hartford Nonprofit Shutdown

Sen. Rob Sampson and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding a Hartford nonprofit named in a federal probe that has now shut down. (https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-blue-hills-civic-shutdown-21086672.php)

“As Republicans noted in our recent press conference calling for the state government ‘candy store’ to be shut down, this organization received $20,000 in the current state budget while under FBI investigation.

So we must now ask: Where’s that $20,000 of taxpayers’ money? Did it get sent to Blue Hills Civic Association? Did it disappear?

This development makes our point for us. These grants get divvied out like candy without rhyme or reason. Minimal vetting. Little to no transparency or accountability. No description of purpose. No performance requirements. No deliverables. Just a check, paid for by you, the taxpayer. That’s disrespectful.

Republicans have offered common sense legislative reforms to the process as a first step toward closing the ‘candy store’ and ending the culture of corruption. We hope Democrats join us in this reform effort as soon as possible.”